Vietnam – Asia’s Leading Destination 2025: Affirming Its Position on the Global Tourism Map

Vietnam Honored as Asia’s Leading Destination 2025 and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025

On the evening of October 13 in Hong Kong (China), Vietnam was officially honored by the World Travel Awards (WTA) with two prestigious titles:

• Asia’s Leading Destination 2025

• Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025

This marks the seventh time Vietnam has received the Asia’s Leading Destination award and the third time being recognized as the Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination. These distinctions not only bring national pride but also reaffirm the strong, sustainable growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry in recent years.

Multiple Honors for Vietnamese Destinations and Businesses

Alongside the national awards, numerous Vietnamese destinations and organizations were also recognized:

• Vietnam Airlines – Asia’s Leading Airline Brand

• Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism – Asia’s Leading City Tourism Authority

• Hanoi – Asia’s Leading City Destination and Leading Short-Break City Destination

• Ho Chi Minh City – Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination and Leading Business Travel Destination

• Hoi An – Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination

• Ninh Binh – Asia’s Leading Emerging Destination

• Vung Tau – Asia’s Leading Short-Stay Beach City Destination

• Van Don International Airport – Asia’s Leading Regional Airport

• Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park – Asia’s Leading National Park

• Moc Chau – Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination

These accolades collectively underscore Vietnam’s growing influence on the global travel map.

A Strong Presence on the Global Tourism Stage

Often referred to as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry,” the World Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious recognition systems in global tourism, honoring outstanding destinations and travel organizations worldwide.
Vietnam’s continued success at these awards highlights the increasing allure of the S-shaped country among international travelers.

Beyond breathtaking natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay, Son Doong Cave, Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, and Phu Quoc beaches, Vietnam also boasts a rich cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, thousands of traditional festivals, ancient craft villages, and world-renowned cuisine.

The harmony of nature, culture, hospitality, and service, combined with a focus on sustainable tourism development, has built a distinct and competitive Vietnamese tourism brand in both regional and global markets.

Impressive Growth Through the Years

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s tourism industry has achieved remarkable recovery and progress.

• 2023: Welcomed 12.6 million international visitors (3.4 times more than in 2022).

• 2024: Reached 17.6 million visitors, recovering 98% of pre-pandemic levels (2019) — the highest recovery rate in ASEAN.

According to UN Tourism, Vietnam recorded the highest international visitor growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region — up 30% year-on-year, compared to the global average of just 5%.
In the first nine months of 2025 alone, Vietnam welcomed 15.4 million international visitors, up 21.5% from the same period in 2024, setting the stage for a new all-time record.

Strategic Reforms Driving Sustainable Tourism

Vietnam’s achievements stem from a series of bold, strategic reforms designed to enhance national tourism competitiveness:

• Visa Policy Innovations: Expanded visa exemptions, universal e-visas, and extended stays for international visitors.

• Professional Tourism Promotion: Major campaigns in key markets such as the U.S., China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Germany, France, Italy, India, and Australia.

• Public–Private Partnerships & Digital Transformation: Strengthening collaboration and applying advanced technology in tourism marketing.

• Infrastructure Development: New expressways, modernized international airports, and expanded direct and charter flight routes connecting Vietnam with major global cities.

• Diversified Tourism Products: Health & wellness, golf, rail, agro, sports, and music tourism are increasingly popular with both local and foreign travelers.

• Sustainable Destination Management: Focus on service quality, green tourism, and visitor satisfaction.

The Driving Force for a New Breakthrough Era

The World Travel Awards 2025 recognition is not only a celebration of Vietnam’s past achievements but also a powerful motivation for future growth.
In an era of intense global competition, maintaining cultural authenticity, protecting natural resources, offering world-class services, and fostering continuous innovation will be the “golden key” for Vietnam to truly become “the shining star of Asia’s tourism map.”

📍Source: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Official Portal (bvhttdl.gov.vn)| Images: Collected

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