MTE HCMC 2026 opens registration as hospitality sector rebounds

Industry leaders in hospitality and real estate are set to gather in Ho Chi Minh City for the MTE HCMC 2026 conference, an event highlighting the sector’s momentum following a significant recovery in international tourism.

Registration is now officially open for the summit, which arrives as Vietnam records a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in international arrivals, totaling 21.2 million visitors.

The conference series, recognized as one of the largest for professionals in the region, is expected to attract more than 900 senior executives, including property developers, hotel owners, architects, and design consultants. 

More than 50 international speakers will share insights, providing a platform for foreign investors to connect with local stakeholders and access timely market updates in a period of renewed economic fundamentals.

A major highlight of the 2026 event is the participation of world-renowned designer Philippe Starck, who will lead an exclusive session titled “Experiential Design: A One-to-One Conversation with a Global Innovator”. 

Mauro Gasparotti, the founder of WeHub and host of the event, stated that the gathering aims connects the minds shaping hospitality and real estate, creating conversations, partnerships, and insights that help the industry move confidently into the next market cycle.  

The comprehensive program will address a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from regional investment risks to the potential of hotel franchising in the Vietnamese market. 

Industry experts, including Jesper Palmqvist of STR CoStar and Hieu Do of VinaLiving, are set to discuss the global hotel outlook and the future of Vietnamese real estate, while specialized panels will explore infrastructure and investment flows leading up to 2030.

Discussions will further delve into emerging trends such as branded residences, wellness, and the practical application of technology in the hospitality sector. Beyond the main stages, the event will feature dedicated spaces such as a hotel technology room and a "deal-making lounge," alongside networking opportunities like the HoSkar Night and a specialized F&B show.

Representatives from major firms, including Savills Vietnam, Gamuda Land, Accor Hotels Group, and Sun Group, are scheduled to participate in various panel sessions. Organizers intend for the immersive experience to provide practical examples and forge valuable connections, empowering participants to drive their businesses forward in an evolving market.