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At the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia-Pacific ceremony held in Hong Kong, Vietnam's tourism industry not only won two important national titles but also solidified its position as a "rising star" in the region.
With nearly 40 prestigious awards given to destinations, travel businesses, and accommodation services, Vietnam has affirmed its quality and diversity on the global tourism map. The World Travel Awards (WTA), established in 1993, is considered the "Oscars of the world tourism industry," and consecutive wins there are a golden testament to the Vietnamese brand.
At the World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony, Vietnam's tourism sector continued to affirm its position on the international map by being named in the most prestigious categories.
At the national level, Vietnam achieved a double victory in the two most important titles: "Asia's Leading Destination 2025" and "Asia's Leading Heritage Destination 2025". This is the 7th time Vietnam has received the "Asia's Leading Destination" award and the 3rd time it has won in the "Asia's Leading Heritage Destination" category.
This double victory is seen as strong recognition from the international community for the continuous efforts in developing diverse tourism products, alongside preserving and promoting rich heritage values. This recognition comes amidst strong growth in Vietnam's tourism industry, with 15.4 million international visitors welcomed in the first nine months of 2025, a 21.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Along with two national awards, nearly 40 Vietnamese businesses and destinations were honored, affirming the consistent quality across the country.
Hanoi, the capital city, continues to affirm its attractiveness with two awards: "Asia's Leading City Destination" and "Leading City Destination for Short Breaks". Ho Chi Minh City was also honored as "Leading Event and Festival Destination" and "Leading Business Travel Destination", showcasing the dynamism of the southern economic hub. Notably, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also received the "Leading Local Tourism Management Agency in Asia" award for its effective initiatives in promoting and managing the destination.
Hanoi, the capital city, continues to affirm its attractiveness with two awards: "Asia's Leading City Destination" and "Leading City Destination for Short Breaks".
Other provinces and cities are equally impressive, with Hoi An maintaining its appeal with the title of "Leading Cultural City". Ninh Binh, with its majestic Trang An landscape, won the "Leading Emerging Destination" award. Vung Tau was the most popular "Leading Short-Term Coastal City Holiday Destination".
Ninh Binh is honored to be recognized at this awards ceremony.
In particular, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park made history by becoming the first natural tourism destination in Vietnam to be simultaneously honored in two of the most prestigious categories in nature tourism: "Vietnam's Leading Nature Destination 2025" and "Asia's Leading National Park". This victory is not only a source of glory but also the highest level of recognition for efforts to preserve and promote heritage values and to develop sustainable tourism.
Phong Nha - Ke Bang has surpassed many prestigious candidates from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, etc., to excellently win two top titles in the Asian region for nature tourism.
Mr. Pham Hong Thai, Director of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, emphasized: “This award is not the destination, but a new beginning. We will continue to preserve and develop Phong Nha - Ke Bang in a sustainable direction.” Experts assess that this “double win” will create a strategic springboard to help Phong Nha - Ke Bang transform from a famous adventure destination into a high-end tourism center, attracting high-quality tourists.
This is an opportunity to develop tourism in Phong Nha - Ke Bang cave system.
Another highlight is that the Dong Van Karst Plateau continues to be recognized in important categories, affirming the unique cultural and tourism appeal of this northernmost region of Vietnam. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam's first Global Geopark on October 1, 2010, stands out with its geological formations dating back over 500 million years and is home to 17 ethnic groups.
The Dong Van Karst Plateau continues to be recognized in the most important category, affirming the unique cultural and tourism appeal of this northernmost region of Vietnam.
According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the continuous victories at the WTA are proof of the strong and sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism industry, and also an opportunity for Vietnam to further improve its competitiveness, upgrade its destination image, and establish Vietnam as a prominent destination in Asia.
