On October 15, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism announced that the city was once again honored at the World Travel Awards (WTA) during a ceremony held in Hong Kong on the evening of October 13.

Dubbed the “Oscars of the global travel industry,” the World Travel Awards 2025 recognized Ho Chi Minh City across four major categories, highlighting its stature as a premier destination in Asia and the world.

The four awards included: Asia's Leading Business Travel Destination 2025 (won for the fourth consecutive year, from 2022 to 2025); Asia's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2025 (also for the fourth consecutive year); Asia's Leading City Tourist Board 2025 (awarded to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism for the third straight year: 2023, 2024, 2025); and Asia's Leading Coastal City Break Destination 2025 (awarded to Vung Tau - now part of Ho Chi Minh City - for the first time).

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Ho Chi Minh City scores big at the 2025 World Travel Awards. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism

These consecutive honors from WTA serve as clear testimony to the credibility, appeal, and sustainable development potential of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector.

This achievement is not only the result of efforts to improve service quality and diversify tourism products, but it also reinforces the city's image as a dynamic, modern, and creative metropolis rich in cultural identity.

This powerful combination continues to make Ho Chi Minh City an irresistible draw for both domestic and international travelers.

Notably, Vung Tau - now administratively merged into Ho Chi Minh City - was honored for the first time in the category of “Asia's Leading Coastal City Break Destination.”

This award not only elevates the image of Vietnam’s coastal tourism but also significantly boosts the brand visibility of Ho Chi Minh City on the regional and global tourism map.

The international recognition comes as the city's tourism industry experiences strong growth.

In the first nine months of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed nearly 5.3 million international visitors and 32 million domestic tourists.

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Vung Tau, now part of Ho Chi Minh City, received its first award for “Asia's Leading Coastal City Break Destination.” Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism

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The 2025 Nghinh Ong Festival in Can Gio attracted a large number of tourists. Photo: Nguyen Hue

Total tourism revenue reached over 162 trillion VND (approximately 6.6 billion USD), drawing close to the city’s full-year targets of 7 million international and 40 million domestic tourists.

These compelling figures underscore the city's allure and its role as a “mega tourism metropolis,” defined by a distinctive triangle of culture, waterways, and modernity.

Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, shared: “Being once again recognized by the international community at the 2025 World Travel Awards is a tremendous honor and a driving force for the city’s tourism sector to continuously innovate and evolve. Our goal is to establish Ho Chi Minh City as a top tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region.”

She added that these four prestigious awards mark a significant milestone in promoting the “Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City” brand - an image of a welcoming, dynamic, and globally connected destination brimming with vitality.

In addition to Ho Chi Minh City’s outstanding achievements, Vietnam’s tourism sector also affirmed its standing on the world stage.

At the 2025 World Travel Awards, Vietnam was honored in two important categories: Asia’s Leading Destination 2025 (awarded for the seventh time) and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2025 (won for the third time).

Tuan Kiet