VITA Awards 2026 Honour 106 Winners in Vietnam

Vietnam has announced the winners of the VITA Awards 2026, honoring 106 individuals and organizations for their contributions to the nation's tourism sector. This recognition celebrates significant achievements within Vietnam's tourism industry as the country strives to solidify its position as a leading tourist destination. The Vietnamese government reiterated its commitment to continuously improving institutional frameworks and standards, developing human resources, expanding Halal-certified services, strengthening international cooperation, promoting business partnerships, and building the country's brand as a new destination for Halal tourism. This focus is particularly aimed at attracting tourists from Muslim-majority countries. The article also highlights the concept of 'circular tourism,' which goes beyond conventional sustainable tourism. This approach embraces a regenerative model where every journey contributes to restoring ecosystems, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening the resilience of local communities, suggesting a new form of tourism that emphasizes contribution to the locality rather than mere consumption. Quang Ninh province's booth attracted numerous visitors, showcasing its tourism potential despite the exhibition's industrial focus. The low percentage of Indonesian visitors (0.4% of total international arrivals) indicates substantial room for growth and broader cooperation. Hanoi aims to welcome over 9 million foreign arrivals this year and has already achieved more than half of this target. This milestone is a source of pride for the city's tourism industry and a positive signal of its growing appeal to international travelers. The introduction of special ticket prices for visitors aged 25 and under is a strategic move to attract a new customer segment. Vietnam's appeal lies in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture, from colorful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, which remain an integral part of everyday life. Phu Quoc Island is emerging as a representative destination, with ongoing development in infrastructure, hospitality, and international cooperation projects in preparation for APEC 2027 and beyond. The significant increase in visitor numbers since 2016 demonstrates the success of synchronized investment. Paris Match notes that Vietnam's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and luxury resorts. Its unique combination of nature, history, cultural heritage, and local life offers travelers a wide range of authentic experiences, making it an increasingly attractive destination. At the WTO Open Day 2026 in Geneva, Vietnam's pavilion was a highlight, drawing visitors eager to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Many expressed that the experience inspired them to visit Vietnam in the near future. Da Nang is home to nearly 70 traditional craft villages, many of which have become popular tourist attractions. International tourist arrivals in June increased by 14.7% year-on-year to approximately 1.7 million, indicating a bright spot for Vietnam's tourism amidst global challenges. Biba Magazine praises Vietnam's regional culinary diversity, fresh ingredients, and refined cooking techniques, elevating its cuisine beyond iconic dishes like pho and spring rolls, making it one of the country's most memorable attractions. According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), FIT travel has become a defining trend in post-pandemic tourism. Travelers seek flexibility, personalized experiences, and authentic cultural engagement, prompting destinations worldwide to rethink their strategies. With strong growth momentum, strategic investment in quality tourism, upgraded infrastructure, and increasingly diversified source markets, Vietnam is steadily reinforcing its position as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic and promising tourism destinations. Source: VietnamPlus English