Organized by the Vietnam Tourism Association in collaboration with the Ninh Binh Provincial People's Committee, the annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in destination management, tourism promotion, product development, service quality and innovation.

The awards also recognize successful tourism models that strengthen Vietnam's competitiveness while promoting professional, modern, environmentally sustainable and responsible tourism.

Opening the ceremony, Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, described the 2026 edition as the first under a new framework designed to establish VITA Awards as a prestigious, objective and transparent professional recognition program.

She said the awards honor local authorities, organizations, businesses, destinations and tourism villages that have made significant contributions to Vietnam's tourism sector over the past year.

Lan added that the awards also aim to encourage innovation, digital transformation, green development and responsible tourism while enhancing the country's tourism brand.

Outstanding destinations recognized

The Vietnam Tourism Association presented 106 awards to recipients from 20 provinces and cities nationwide.

In the category recognizing local tourism authorities for innovative policy development, awards went to the Departments of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City and Ninh Binh, along with the Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long and Lao Cai.

For Best Tourism Village of 2025, the winners were Thai Hai Village in Thai Nguyen, Thon Tha Community Tourism Village in Tuyen Quang and Lam Thuong Tourism Village in Lao Cai.

The Leading Community Tourism Village category recognized Nghia Do Village in Lao Cai, Nam Dam Village in Tuyen Quang and Yen Trung Village in Thanh Hoa.

The Leading Tourism Destination of 2025 award was presented to Trang An Ecotourism Complex, the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site and Sun World Fansipan Legend.

Meanwhile, Dragon Ocean Do Son International Tourism Area in Hai Phong and Con En Tourism Site in An Giang received awards as the year's Leading Emerging Tourism Destinations.

Green tourism and cultural heritage honored

The Leading Green Tourism Destination awards went to Thung Nham Ecotourism Area and Van Long Nature Reserve, both located in Ninh Binh.

The Leading Spectacular Natural Destination category recognized the UNESCO Global Geopark Dong Van Karst Plateau in Tuyen Quang, Langbiang Tourist Area and Cuc Phuong National Park.

For preserving cultural heritage, awards were presented to Tam Coc–Bich Dong Tourism Area, the Lam Kinh National Special Relic Site and Dong Giang Heaven Gate Ecotourism Area.

The Leading Cultural Landmark for Tourism category honored Bai Dinh Cultural Complex and Tam Chuc Tourism Area.

Additional awards recognized excellence in community tourism, ecotourism, cultural and culinary experiences, heritage attractions, youth-oriented destinations, beaches, and innovative tourism products.

Tran Nghi