Viet Nam among “Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination” for 8th time by World Travel Awards 2026

Alongside the two national-level awards, numerous Vietnamese destinations and brands were also recognized across various categories.

The capital city of Ha Noi was named "Asia's Leading City Break Destination," while the southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City received two titles: "Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination" and "Asia's Leading Business Travel Destination." The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism was also named "Asia's Leading Tourist Board."

Among natural and emerging destinations, Ta Xua in the northern mountainous province of Son La was named "Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination," while Moc Chau in the same locality received the title of "Asia's Leading Regional Natural Destination."

World natural heritage site Phong Nha-Ke Bang in the central province of Quang Tri was again recognized as "Asia's Leading National Park," while Tam Chuc Complex in the northern province of Ha Nam was named "Asia's Leading Cultural Tourist Destination."

Notably, Ta Xua appeared in the "Asia's Leading Emerging Destination" category alongside destinations that have already established a strong presence on the tourism map. The recognition of an emerging destination indicates that this year's awards not only highlight well-established names but also destinations that are attracting growing attention from the tourism market.

The range of award categories demonstrates the breadth of Viet Nam's tourism appeal. In a single awards season, Vietnamese destinations were recognized across diverse segments, from cities catering to short breaks, events and business travel to natural landscapes, national parks, cultural attractions and emerging destinations.

The World Travel Awards 2026 honors came shortly after another notable international recognition for Viet Nam's tourism sector. Earlier, on September 25, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released its 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI), in which Viet Nam climbed seven places to rank 52nd out of 110 economies.

The wide range of major honors highlights the growing international recognition of Viet Nam's tourism appeal across multiple dimensions—from the national destination and urban tourism to heritage, nature, tourism products and services—further strengthening Viet Nam's presence on the regional and global tourism map.

The Southeast Asian nation welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, up 14.4 percent from the same period last year and equivalent to 63.6 percent of the country's full-year target, according to the National Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance).

The country targets 25 million international visitors by the end of this year./.