This is the seventh time Vietnam has been honored as Asia’s Leading Destination and the third consecutive year it has been named Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination. The awards reaffirm the country’s strong growth and rising prestige in the global tourism industry.

Also at the Awards Ceremony, dozens of Vietnam's destinations and businesses also received honourable awards of WTA. Vietnam Airlines was named Asia’s Leading Airline Brand 2025, while the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism won Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board 2025. Among destinations, Hanoi was recognized as Asia’s Leading City Destination 2025 and Asia’s Leading City Break Destination 2025; Ho Chi Minh City as Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2025 and Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2025; Hoi An as Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2025; Ninh Binh as Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2025; Vung Tau as Asia’s Leading Coastal City Break Destination 2025; Van Don as Asia’s Leading Regional Airport 2025; Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park as Asia’s Leading National Park 2025; Moc Chau as Asia’s Leading Natural Destination 2025...

Strengthening Vietnam’s Position on the World Tourism Map

The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” honor excellence across tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors. Vietnam’s continued success at the WTA highlights the growing appeal of the S-shaped country among international travelers.

Vietnam is widely known for its spectacular natural landscapes such as Ha Long Bay, Son Doong Cave, Mu Cang Chai’s terraced fields, Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches... The country also boasts amazing UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, traditional festivals, craft villages, and a world-renowned culinary culture.

With a harmonious combination of nature, culture, and hospitality, and a focus on sustainable tourism development, Vietnam has built a tourism brand that is increasingly competitive across Asia and the world.

Vietnam Tourism Strives to a New Height

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s tourism sector has demonstrated a strong recovery. In 2023, the country welcomed 12.6 million international visitor arrivas, 3.4 times higher than in 2022. In 2024, international arrivals reached 17.6 million, equivalent to 98% of pre-pandemic levels, the highest recovery rate among ASEAN countries.

According to UN Tourism, in the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam recorded a 30% year-on-year increase in international arrivals  -  the highest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region. In the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam received 15.4 million international visitor arrivals, up 21.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

Innovation Drives Success

Industry experts attribute Vietnam’s success to policy development and improved competitiveness. The Government has expanded visa exemptions, extended temporary stays, and granted e-visas to citizens of all countries, creating favorable conditions for international travelers.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Tourism have strengthened tourism promotion activities in key markets such as the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, India, Australia...; while enhancing public-private cooperation and digital transformation in promotion campaigns.

Infrastructure development has also been accelerated, with major highways under construction and airports being expanded and modernized. Many new direct and charter flights have been launched, connecting Vietnam with more international destinations.

Vietnam’s tourism industry has also been focusing on diversifying products to attract different market segments. New types of tourism such as wellness, golf, rail, agriculture, sports, and music tourism are being developed alongside traditional offerings.

Destination management has been improved to ensure service quality, a healthy business environment, and the improved experiences for travelers  -  contributing to the long-term goal of green and sustainable tourism.

Recognition Motivates Future Growth

The recognition from the World Travel Awards not only reflects Vietnam’s achievements but also provides motivation for continued innovation and development.

In an increasingly competitive global tourism environment, maintaining cultural identity, conserving natural resources, and improving service quality are seen crucial for sustaining growth of Vietnam Tourism.

Tourism Information Technology Center