On the morning of August 26, 2026, Mekong Smile joined a pre-show B2B networking session at ITE HCMC 2026, meeting directly with international travel buyers and tourism partners.
Representing Mekong Smile at the session were Mr. Jimmy, Inbound Business Development Manager, and Mr. Mon from the Inbound Sales team. Through a series of one-on-one meetings, they exchanged ideas with international partners about Mekong Delta travel products, market needs and potential opportunities for future cooperation.
During the meetings, our team introduced locally rooted travel experiences from Can Tho and the wider Mekong Delta, while also learning more about the needs, expectations and travel preferences of different international markets.
For Mekong Smile, these conversations were not simply about introducing destinations. They were an opportunity to explore how local Mekong experiences can be developed together with international partners and brought closer to travelers around the world.
Connecting with International Travel Partners
The B2B networking session created opportunities for Mekong Smile to meet directly with international travel buyers and tourism businesses ahead of ITE HCMC 2026.
At the table, our team shared travel experiences across Can Tho and the Mekong Delta, from river journeys and floating market visits to local food, traditional crafts, countryside communities and cultural experiences.
Rather than presenting one fixed itinerary, the conversations focused on how Mekong experiences could fit different markets and travel styles.
Topics included travel duration, traveler interests, itinerary combinations and opportunities to connect Can Tho with other destinations across the Mekong Delta.
These face-to-face discussions also allowed Mekong Smile to better understand what international partners are looking for when developing journeys in Southern Vietnam.
Listening to Different Market Needs
Every international market is different.
Travelers may have different expectations regarding trip duration, pace, accommodation, transportation and the balance between well-known attractions and local interaction.
Meeting travel partners directly gave Mekong Smile an opportunity to listen to those needs rather than simply presenting existing products.
The discussions provided practical feedback on how Mekong Delta experiences could be adapted for different traveler segments while retaining the local character of the region.
For our team, this exchange is an important part of developing inbound travel products that work both for international partners and for the travelers they serve.
Bringing Can Tho and the Mekong Delta to the B2B Table
Can Tho is an important gateway for exploring the Mekong Delta, but a journey through the region can extend far beyond a single attraction or destination.
Its rivers and canals, orchards, agricultural communities, local cuisine, traditional crafts and everyday river life provide many ways for international visitors to experience Southern Vietnam.
At ITE HCMC 2026, Mekong Smile introduced these possibilities through conversations about both short local experiences and multi-day journeys across the Mekong Delta.
This gives travel partners greater flexibility when developing itineraries for travelers with different schedules and interests.
It also creates opportunities for cooperation between international travel businesses and a locally based Mekong Delta travel company with direct knowledge of the destinations and experiences it operates.
Mekong Smile at ITE HCMC 2026
The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City – ITE HCMC 2026 takes place from August 27 to 29, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City, under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations.”
The event is held under the direction of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. Its organizing bodies include the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and C.I.S Vietnam Advertising & Exhibition JSC.
Ahead of the main exhibition, Mekong Smile participated in B2B networking activities on August 26, where international buyers and tourism businesses met through direct one-on-one conversations.
For our team, being part of these industry exchanges is valuable not only for expanding our network, but also for understanding how international demand for Mekong travel is evolving.
From Local Experiences to Global Connections
International tourism partnerships are rarely built through a single meeting.
They begin with understanding each other’s markets, products and expectations, then identifying where both sides can create value together.
The conversations at ITE HCMC 2026 represent another step in Mekong Smile’s effort to build connections with international travel partners while bringing greater attention to Can Tho and the wider Mekong Delta.
Our focus remains on experiences rooted in the region itself – its waterways, communities, food, culture and local stories – while working with partners to make those experiences accessible to travelers from different markets.
For tour operators, travel agencies and tourism partners interested in Mekong Delta itineraries, local experiences or tailor-made programs in Southern Vietnam, Mekong Smile welcomes opportunities to connect and explore future cooperation.
Mekong Smile – Local Experiences, Global Connections.
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