ITE HCMC 2025 showcased the best of Vietnamese culture at its gala night on Wednesday, 3rd September, at the Grand Skylar Ballroom of Thiskyhall Sala in the city's An Kanh Ward.
Gathering dignitaries, hosted buyers, and media professionals from Vietnam and overseas, the event centred on the theme Dong Chày, Tinh Hoa (The Flow of Quintessence.)
The overarching thematic refers to Ho Chi Minh City's location in the southern basin of the Mekong River, witnessing the flow of history, cultural evolution, and economic development throughout the centuries.
Likewise, it also refers to the flow of fresh information and innovation that has enabled the growth and current resurgence of the Vietnamese travel and tourism sectors following the pandemic.
The river flows, a city grows
The event was graced by Mai Van Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, together with Harry Hwang, regional director for South and Southeast Asia of the UN World Tourism Organisation.
Also in attendance were Cambodian minister of tourism Huot Hak and Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool.
Addressing the assembly in his opening remarks, Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, pointed out how the theme captures the spirit of the dynamic host city and its expanding role in the Vietnamese tourism scene.
Nguyen cited how the city's strategic location has made it a hub for trade and learning, and now has the distinction of being one of the world's most interesting destinations for travel.
A celebration of culture
As the gala night centred solely on Vietnam, the event featured a number of ways by which ITE HCMC enabled the country to put its best foot forward among both local and foreign guests.
Prior to the doors opening for the evening, guests were encouraged to sample an extensive range of handicrafts and edible specialities from various parts of the country, including silk painting, incense making, and shell craft.
Likewise, organisers teased guests' appetites for both the evening and the expo proper on the following day, 4th September, with traditional sweets, as well as a banh mi station.
The dinner itself was made up of several courses wherein popular dishes were given a contemporary spin.
Guests were also impressed by the use of drones and floor robots for a more comprehensive coverage of the event.
Likewise, guests enjoyed a number of performances throughout the evening ranging from traditional Vietnamese musical theatre to an orchestral performance of classic tunes.
