Vietnam Wins “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the 7th Time

Vietnam has triumphed in two major categories — “Asia’s Leading Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025” — at the World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony in Hong Kong on the evening of October 13.

At the Asia–Pacific regional WTA event, Vietnam once again affirmed its position on the global tourism map by being named in the most prestigious categories.

This marks the seventh time Vietnam has received the title of Asia’s Leading Destination and the third time it has been recognized as Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination. The dual victory reflects international recognition of Vietnam’s continuous efforts to diversify tourism products while preserving and promoting its cultural and natural heritage.

This recognition comes as Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to grow rapidly. According to the National Tourism Administration, in the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 15.4 million international visitors, an increase of 21.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

Alongside the two national awards, nearly 40 Vietnamese businesses and destinations were also honored across various categories.

The capital city, Hanoi, once again proved its charm by winning “Asia’s Leading City Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Short-Break City Destination.”

Ho Chi Minh City was recognized as “Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination,” while its Department of Tourism received the “Asia’s Leading City Tourism Authority” award for effective destination management and promotion initiatives.

Meanwhile, Hoi An retained its title as “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination.” Ninh Binh, home to the majestic Trang An landscape complex, was named “Asia’s Leading Emerging Destination,” and Vung Tau won “Asia’s Leading Short-Stay Coastal City Destination.”

In aviation and hospitality, Vietnam Airlines was named “Asia’s Leading Airline Brand.” Several luxury resorts and hotels also received recognition, including Selectum Noa Resort Cam Ranh, Bai Bac Bay Villa @ InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, and Six Senses Con Dao, underscoring the world-class quality of Vietnam’s hospitality sector.

According to Pham Ha, Chairman of Lux Group (a luxury travel company), Vietnam’s collection of 40 awards at WTA 2025 demonstrates the global recognition of its tourism excellence. The two key titles — Asia’s Leading Destination and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination — not only reaffirm Vietnam’s growing prestige but also highlight the nation’s strengths in cultural, heritage, and local experience-based tourism.

“This is an opportunity for Vietnam to further improve its competitiveness, enhance its destination image, and establish itself as one of Asia’s standout destinations — where heritage, people, and nature coexist in harmony,” said Ha.

According to the National Tourism Administration, these awards are not just a source of pride but also a testament to Vietnam’s strong and sustainable tourism growth in recent years.

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards are often dubbed the “Oscars of the travel industry.” The annual event honors outstanding service providers in tourism, travel, and hospitality, with results determined by votes from both industry experts and the global public. Vietnam’s consistent success at WTA highlights its increasingly solid position in the hearts of international travelers.

Vietnamese Destinations Honored at World Travel Awards 2025