VI
EN
Hotlist Travellive Editor's Pick is an annual project by Travellive Media Group, a Vietnamese-founded media company established in 2003. Hotlist is a prestigious platform that honors pioneering brands, individuals, and outstanding initiatives in Vietnam's tourism and hospitality industry. The program involves a panel of expert advisors who evaluate and implement the entries, aiming to spread inspiring stories and promote sustainable development across the entire industry.
Inspired by the rice grain, Hotlist 2025 tells the story of values sown, nurtured, and harvested, symbolizing the resilience, creativity, and upward striving spirit of Vietnam's tourism industry. The new logo, with its golden hue and soft lines, represents the interplay between tradition and modernity, between the "Vietnamese soul" and the spirit of innovation.
What's new in Hotlist 2025?
Continuing its journey of honoring Vietnamese values in tourism and lifestyle, Hotlist 2025 introduces many key categories of recognition, reflecting the overall development of Vietnam's tourism and hospitality industry during the period of reform.
In addition to the traditional categories, this year the program has officially expanded its scope with 8 key categories, including: Hospitality, Aviation, Travel Design & Experiences, Destination, Technology & Innovations, Travel Essentials, Community Projects & Voices, and Sustainability.
This year's categories are designed to reflect the diversity, dynamism, and innovative spirit of Vietnam's tourism industry, from accommodation and aviation to technology, community initiatives, and sustainable development. The official list of nominees will be announced in Travellive, scheduled for release in January 2026, along with inspiring brand stories and journeys behind each honored name.
HOTLIST 2024 attracted the attention of nearly 600 attendees, including managers, experts, and business owners in the hotel and tourism sector from both domestic and international sources, as well as media representatives.
Compared to 2024, the 2025 Hotlist brings many new highlights:
Public voting round:For the first time, Hotlist is expanding its voting process to the community, inviting viewers to participate in selecting the best brands and destinations. This format not only increases interaction but also contributes to fostering connection and a love of travel within the community.
Global media partnership with PR Newswire:Hotlist 2025 collaborates with PR Newswire – the world's leading press release distribution network, covering over 170 countries and territories. This partnership helps honored brands and individuals appear on prestigious international media platforms, while simultaneously elevating the status of Vietnamese brands and spreading the story of Vietnamese tourism globally.
The Advisory Board consists of 10 leading experts:Hotlist 2025 brings together 10 reputable experts representing the fields of tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, media, and lifestyle. With their deep expertise and significant influence, they shape trends and innovation standards for the entire industry, while ensuring objectivity and contributing to enhancing the prestige of the award.
New award categories:This year, Hotlist expands its scope to include new areas, particularly aviation, technology, and impactful community projects; aiming to honor the creativity, quality of service, and contributions of pioneering organizations. This expansion helps complete the overall picture of modern Vietnamese tourism and creates a professional network connecting brands.
Expanding on The Insider Forum event:Following the success of The Insiders Forum 2024, which was highly regarded by professionals – a platform where experts, business leaders, and researchers shared experiences, updated trends, and reflected on the dynamic development of the tourism industry.
The Insiders Forum 2025 returns with an expanded scale in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, bringing together 50 speakers, 300-500 industry leaders, and 1,200-1,500 guests to share perspectives on management, marketing, AI, and future trends in the tourism industry. The journey will conclude with the Hotlist 2025 Honor Ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, marking a moment of "golden harvest," where pioneering individuals and brands are honored in a solemn and inspiring atmosphere. The Insiders Forum Hanoi will be held at the Sheraton Hanoi West Hotel on January 7, 2026; The Insiders Forum Ho Chi Minh City and The Honor Ceremony will take place at the JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon on January 19, 2026.
Hotlist 2024 attracted a large number of business leaders and influential figures in the tourism industry.
The performances were inspired by distinctive Vietnamese cultural elements at the Hotlist 2024 Golden and Silver Cocoon Honor Ceremony Gala.
Hotlist 2025 Advisory Board
In 2024, Hotlist Travellive Editor's Pick included four Expert Advisory Boards and Media Ambassadors. Entering 2025, the Hotlist Advisory Board expanded to include 10 reputable experts and leading figures in the tourism and hospitality industry. With a multifaceted perspective and a sustainable orientation, Hotlist 2025 honors outstanding brands and individuals, while affirming the prestige and elevating the status of participating entities. Nominations will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, impact, relevance, and sustainability.
The Insiders Forum 2025 returns and will be held on a larger scale in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The event will bring together 50 speakers, 300-500 industry leaders, and 1,200-1,500 guests.
The 10 Advisory Councils include:
- Ms. Le Minh Phuong - Founder and CEO of Travellive Media Group.
- Mr. Michel Cassagnes - Managing Director for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam at Archetype.
- Mr. Robert Rankin - Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent Vietnam.
- Mr. Nguyen Cao Son - Chairman of APC Group.
- Mr. Dang Manh Phuoc - Co-founder and CEO of The Outbox Company.
- Raffael Stangl - CEO of Aviation Connect.
- Álvaro Moreno - Co-founder and Director of Development at SODÅ - Hotel Management Platform.
- Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy - Climate change research expert.
- John Gardner - Co-founder and CEO of Optimum Hospitality.
- Mr. Tran Viet Phuong (Travip) - Former journalist and travel influencer of the "Love Airplanes" channel.
Additional information:
The Insiders Forum Hanoi at Sheraton Hanoi West Hotel, January 7, 2026.
The Insiders Forum Ho Chi Minh City and The Honor Ceremony at JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon, January 19, 2026.
Email: hotlist@vntravellive.com
Hotline: (+84) 972 587316
