Tourists pose for a photo in front of the HCMC Post Office. VNAT has conducted polls to select winners for the 2019 Vietnam’s Tourism Awards

The annual program is jointly held by VNAT and the Vietnam Tourism Association, according to an official dispatch signed by VNAT head Nguyen Trung Khanh on May 29.

The organizing board had issued the program’s prize structure and received many applications from local firms, which is why it decided to call for public votes to ensure objective and accurate final results.

Allowing for public voting is a new highlight of this year’s edition. Earlier, the organizing board would shortlist candidates for the awards based upon such criteria as the number of served customers, the quality of service, tax obligations and the execution of their social responsibilities.

This year, prizes for the top four-or-five-star hotels may see intensive competition. The public will vote for the top 10 five-star hotels among 30 nominated hotels, and the top 10 four-star hotels out of 38 operating in the country.

The list of suggested well-performing five-star hotels features many popular brands, including InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, Hyatt Regency Danang, and the Four Seasons The Nam Hai.

Notably, there are up to five Vinpearl-branded hotels, whose locations are in Danang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.

As for travel companies, VNAT will conduct a poll to find winners who are the best inbound and outbound tour operators, and those offering domestic travel services.

Many popular travel firms are included in the list, such as Saigontourist, Vietravel, Ben Thanh Tourist, and Fiditour.

The polls will close on June 10. SGT

Dao Loan