The honour was presented at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in Manila, the Philippines, on September 3 evening.

The Vietnamese nominee outperformed several strong competitors worldwide, including Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park of Japan, Chitwan National Park of Nepal, Minnieriya National Park of Sri Lanka, Kinabalu and Taman Negara National Parks of Malaysia, as well as Cat Tien National Park of Vietnam, to be honoured as Asia's Leading National Park for 2024.

This is the sixth consecutive year since 2019 that Cuc Phuong National Park which is also the country’s largest Nature Reserve has been awarded this title.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park covers 22,408 hectares of land in three provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, and is known for its exceptional biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

The park is home to numerous rare and endangered species, making it a valuable ecological treasure in Asia. Its dense forests house over 2,000 plant species and 300 bird species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

It attracts over 10,000 visitors annually, many of whom are international tourists.

The park has implemented successful conservation programmes to protect its diverse flora and fauna. It has established rescue and rehabilitation centres for endangered species such as primates and turtles.

In addition, it has involved local communities in its conservation efforts by promoting community-based eco-tourism initiatives, providing alternative livelihoods for locals while promoting sustainable tourism.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a range of ecotourism activities such as hiking trails, wildlife watching, and immersive experiences like staying in ecolodges.

The park also serves as a hub for research and education in biodiversity and conservation, collaborating with various national and international institutions to conduct scientific studies, training workshops, and educational programmes.

The World Travel Awards is a leading global tourism award established annually since 1993. It has become one of the most prestigious and esteemed brands in recognizing outstanding achievements of the tourism industry. It is often referred to as the 'Oscars' of the global travel and tourism industry.

VOV