Within the framework of the 2026 international cooperation promotion program, from March 30 to April 3, 2026, a delegation from the Vietnam Hotel Association (VHA), led by Mr. Nguyen Quang – Vice Chairman of VHA, participated in two major industry exhibitions in Shanghai, China: HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 and Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai 2026.

 

Attending Opening Ceremony of HOTELEX Shanghai 2026

 

These exhibitions are recognized among the leading events in the Asia-Pacific region in the fields of hospitality, food & beverage, and services, gathering more than 5,000 global enterprises, brands, and industry experts. Participation in these exhibitions enabled the Vietnamese delegation to access the latest trends in technology, equipment, operations, and sustainable development within the hospitality industry.

 

 

Attending Opening Ceremony of Hotel & Shop Plus Shanghai 2026

 

Key Highlight: VHA Representative as Speaker at International Forum

 

A key highlight of the program was the invitation extended to a VHA representative to serve as a speaker at the international forum “HOTELEX 2026 International Forum – Market Trend Insights.”

 

 

Mr. Nguyen Quang shared insights Vietnam’s hospitality market

 

At the forum, Mr. Nguyen Quang presented an overview of VHA’s activities and shared insights into Vietnam’s hospitality market. He emphasized the strong post-pandemic recovery and noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of the most preferred international destinations for Chinese travelers.

 

In addition to the advantage of geographical proximity, Vietnam benefits from strong air connectivity, diverse tourism products, highly competitive hotel pricing compared to ASEAN markets, and, importantly, a strong reputation for safety.

 

Strengthening International Cooperation

 

Alongside exhibition activities, the VHA delegation held a working session with the China Tourist Hotel Association to exchange market insights, share development experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the coming period.

 

This meeting was considered an important starting point for enhancing connections between hospitality businesses in Vietnam and China.

 

Site Inspections & Industry Insights

 

Beside of attended exhibitions, the delegation conducted on-site inspection at several luxury and models hotel in Shanghai. Notably, they visited the J Hotel Shanghai – located atop the Shanghai Tower, considered the world's tallest hotel and an icon of the ultra-luxury segment, boasting a sophisticated architectural design and refined operational philosophy deeply rooted in Chinese culture.

 

 

The delegation conducted on-site inspection at J Hotel Shanghai

 

The delegation also stayed experience the Aloft Shanghai (part of the Marriott group) – representing the dynamic and innovative lifestyle hotel trend; and stayed at the FlyZoo Hotel – Alibaba future hotel, where technology, AI, and automation are comprehensively applied in operations and customer experience, offering a realistic perspective on the future of the hospitality industry in the digital era.

 

 

The delegation also stayed experience the FlyZoo Hotel – Alibaba future hotel

 

 Enhancing Competitiveness of Vietnam’s Hospitality Industry

 

According to Mr. Nguyen Quang, Head of the VHA delegation:

“The combination of attending international exhibitions to update the latest technologies and conducting practical site inspections enables the delegation to gain a comprehensive understanding—from market trends to operational models. This contributes to enhancing management capabilities, fostering innovation, and strengthening the competitiveness of Vietnam’s hospitality industry in the context of global integration.”

 

 

The delegation visiting exhibition booths

 

Below are selected highlights pictures:

 

The delegation visiting exhibition booths

 

 

The delegation conducted on-site inspection at W Shanghai – The Bund

 

 

Mr. Nguyen Quang had the honor of presenting the award “The Best ESG Hotel Supplies Brand Award” at the prestigious Golden Place Award Ceremony