Myanmar’s Tourism Delegation Engages at Ho Chi Minh Travel Expo 2026

Myanmar’s Active Role at the 19th Ho Chi Minh International Travel Expo

The 19th Ho Chi Minh International Travel Expo, held from September 4 to 6, 2025, showcased a dynamic array of participants from all over the globe, including a notable delegation from Myanmar. This event, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam alongside the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, served as a vibrant platform for tourism promotion and networking among countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Myanmar’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism, U Phyo Zaw Soe, supported by the Vice Mayor of the Yangon City Development Committee, U Nyi Nyi. Their presence highlighted Myanmar's commitment to advancing its tourism industry on an international stage.

Highlights from the Expo and Myanmar’s Engagement

On the eve of the expo, September 3, a gala dinner themed “The Flow of Quintessence” took place at the Thiskyhall Sala Convention Centre. Distinguished attendees included Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Dhinh; the Cambodian Minister of Tourism; the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Vientiane; the Vice Mayor of Yangon; and officials from various Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) member cities. The event also featured representatives from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), emphasizing the international scope of the gathering.

The expo’s opening ceremony was held at the Saigon Exhibition Convention Centre, followed by the TPO General Assembly High-Level Tourism Forum where Myanmar’s delegation took an active part. The forum provided a crucial setting for discussing current challenges and opportunities within the regional tourism landscape.

Deputy Minister U Phyo Zaw Soe engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand to explore avenues for collaboration aimed at boosting tourism flows between Myanmar and Thailand. Such diplomatic exchanges underscore Myanmar’s eagerness to enhance regional partnerships that could stimulate mutual growth.

In addition to high-level talks, Myanmar’s delegation toured its national exhibition booths, which displayed a variety of travel packages and highlighted the country’s rich tourism destinations. The team coordinated on-the-spot support for ongoing promotional initiatives, signaling a hands-on approach to tourism marketing.

Expo’s Reach and Impact

This year's travel expo brought together over 520 exhibitors, including national tourism boards, airlines, hotels, and technology companies from 30 different countries. The event sought to elevate awareness among domestic and international media, businesses, and global travelers about the diverse opportunities in regional tourism markets.

On September 5, Myanmar’s team participated in tourism business meetings before returning to Yangon the same evening, marking the close of a productive international engagement.

Historical Context of Myanmar’s Tourism Development

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, has long been rich with cultural heritage and natural beauty, separated geographically by mountain ranges and dense forests that once curtailed tourism growth. The nation’s history of limited international accessibility, especially after independence and during subsequent periods of isolation, has shaped a cautious yet determined approach to developing tourism.

In recent decades, the country has gradually opened its doors to international visitors, encouraging foreign investment, particularly from Japan, to stimulate the fledgling tourism sector. Despite challenges such as infrastructure deficits and past political complexities, Myanmar offers unique attractions: from pristine landscapes ideal for ecotourism to vibrant cultural experiences featuring diverse ethnic groups.

Tourism growth has been aspiring to balance economic advancement with cultural preservation, though concerns remain around ethical tourism and sustainable development practices given past controversies related to infrastructure development and social impacts.

Significance of the Expo for Regional Tourism and Future Outlook

The Ho Chi Minh International Travel Expo stands as a critical event for connecting tourism stakeholders across Asia and beyond. The inclusion of Myanmar signifies its rising profile and intent to be more actively involved in international tourism circuits.

Looking forward, such expos are pivotal in shaping meaningful partnerships, creating new markets, and adopting innovative marketing that leverages digital technology and experiential tourism trends. Southeast Asia, with its attractive coastlines, historical sites, and burgeoning urban hubs, continues to be a hotspot for international tourists seeking diverse experiences.

Myanmar’s participation signals an intent not only to promote its attractions but to embrace collaborative tourism strategies that support sustainable growth, enrich visitor experiences, and contribute to the regional economy.

Table: Key Details of the 19th Ho Chi Minh International Travel Expo 2025

The Role of Travel Expos in International Tourism

Travel expos are vital in broadening the visibility of destinations, creating direct links between suppliers and buyers, and sparking collaborations that drive the movement of travelers. For emerging destinations like Myanmar, participation provides a chance to introduce lesser-known sites and services, including ecotourism opportunities and cultural tours.

The integration of new technologies, interactive exhibits, and business forums at these events encourages knowledge-sharing and innovation in how destinations attract and manage tourists. This, in turn, can influence trends in the charter and yacht rental sectors in coastal regions nearby, where increased awareness can boost demand for sailing activities, marinas, and related water-based experiences.

Impact on Sailing and Boats Rental

Although the expo focuses broadly on tourism, the growth in regional travel and interest in coastal destinations naturally trickles into the maritime sectors. Destinations promoted during such exhibitions often experience heightened interest in water activities such as boating, fishing, and yachting. As Myanmar and neighboring countries develop their tourism infrastructure, potential for yacht charters and boating excursions could grow, providing richer options for travelers.

The rise of international tourism events facilitates networking that can spur investment in marinas and related services, expanding the opportunities for sailing enthusiasts and those looking to rent boats or superyachts in the Gulf and other nearby waters.

Conclusion

The 19th Ho Chi Minh International Travel Expo highlighted Myanmar’s strategic efforts to step into the international tourism arena, bringing attention to its cultural assets and scenic attractions. Through key meetings and a compelling presence at the event, Myanmar is reinforcing partnerships that promise to enhance its tourism profile while embracing the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development.

For travelers and tourism professionals seeking rich experiences in Southeast Asia’s waterways, Myanmar’s growing presence in such forums predicts a future where sailing, yacht charters, and boating activities will be integral to the region’s tourism landscape.

GetBoat is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, tailor-made to fit every taste and budget. As Myanmar and other emerging destinations increase their appeal, platforms like GetBoat.com will play a pivotal role in connecting adventurers with the best yachting and boating experiences across the oceans, seas, and lakes of vibrant new destinations.