Tourism leaders from across Asia have convened in Manila, capital of Philippines, to recognise the travel brands pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation.

The World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, hosted at City of Dreams Manila, proved a fitting showcase for the fascinating city destination.

Vietnam was among the destinations celebrating on the night, with numerous regional and national awards handed out to leading brands from across the country.

Graham Cooke, World Travel Awards founder, said: “It has been a privilege to host our first ceremony in the Philippines – a celebration that has served as a fitting showcase for this incredible destination and its historic capital Manila.”

He added: “Our winners are stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for helping to raise the collective benchmark across Asia and Oceania.”

Here Breaking Travel News takes a look at some of the winners from Vietnam.

Vietnam took a number of top titles at the World Travel Awards

First up, Vietnam itself was honoured with trio of prestigious titles Asia’s Leading Nature Destination, Asia’s Leading Nature Destination and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination.

Voters recognised the rich blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks and vibrant culture that Vietnam offers, making it a top destination for travelers.

Highlights include the breathtaking Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, and the ancient town of Hoi An, famous for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lit streets.

The latter was recognised as Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination. 

The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic mix of modern and colonial history and took the titles of Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination, Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism), and Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.

Elsewhere Hanoi, the capital, enchants visitors with its Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, with the city recognised as Asia’s Leading City Break Destination and Asia’s Leading City Destination.

Visitors can also explore the terraced rice fields in Sapa, cruise the Mekong Delta, or relax on the pristine beaches of Phu Quoc and Da Nang.

Vietnam’s culinary scene, with iconic dishes like pho and banh mi, is another irresistible draw for tourists.

On a local level, Ha Nam took the title of Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, Quang Nam took Asia’s Leading Regional Tourist Board, while Ha Giang was honoured with Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination.

Finally, Moc Chau took Asia’s Leading Regional Nature Destination and Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort won a trio of trophies at the World Travel Awards

In accommodation, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was honoured with trophies for Asia’s Leading Green Resort and Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort, while Bai Bac Bay Villa at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort took Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa.

A former host of World Travel Awards, the property lets guests celebrate sunshine and seclusion at one of most spectacular beach resorts in the country.

Retreat into a world of unspoiled nature, set on our private bay, to be enlivened by bold, creative architecture that marries local heritage with world-class design.

From top-tier destination dining to barefoot days of beachside bliss, savour every moment as the team crafts the perfect experience, grounded in Vietnamese hospitality.

Close by, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa took Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort & Spa and Asia’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort, while InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort won Asia’s Leading Luxury Family Resort.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay was also celebrating, taking Asia’s Leading Honeymoon Resort and Asia’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 2024 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony was hosted at City of Dreams Manila

In aviation, Vietjet Air won Asia’s Leading Airline - Customer Experience, while loyalty programme SkyJoy was honoured with Asia’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme.

The low-cost airline is known for offering affordable domestic and international flights.

Established in 2007, it has grown to become one of the largest airlines in Vietnam, providing budget-friendly travel options across south-east Asia, East Asia and parts of Oceania.

Hai Au Aviation was voted Asia’s Leading Seaplane Operator, while Van Don International Airport was recognised as Asia’s Leading Regional Airport.

Elsewhere, Vietravel Airlines took Asia’s Leading Leisure Airline and Asia’s Leading Tour Operator.

Sun Hospitality Group was presented with prizes for Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group and Asia’s Leading Hospitality Development Company, while Sun World Ba Na was voted Asia’s Leading Theme Park.

Hundreds of industry leaders from across the regions were in attendance for the black tie event

When it comes to industry-leading accommodation, visitors to Vietnam are spoiled for choice.

La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – Mgallery was voted Asia’s Leading Boutique Resort, Sunset Beach Resort & Spa took Asia’s Leading City Resort, InterContinental Saigon won Asia’s Leading Conference Hotel and Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa walked away with Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort.

On the nature side of the destination, Cuc Phuong National Park was presented with the prize for Asia’s Leading National Park, while Tam Chuc Complex was voted Asia’s Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction.

The latter is a large spiritual and cultural destination in Vietnam, located in Ha Nam Province, about 60 kilometres south of Hanoi.

It is one of the biggest Buddhist complexes in the country, set against the backdrop of the scenic Tam Chúc Lake and surrounding limestone mountains.

The complex includes the magnificent Tam Chúc Pagoda, known for its grand architecture and intricate stone carvings, and various temples, such as the Jade Pagoda and the Ngoc Pagoda.

Filipino flair was on show throughout

Finally, in the accommodation sector, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay took Asia’s Leading Family Beach Resort, Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort won Asia’s Leading Family Villa Resort, Hoiana Resort & Golf took Asia’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort, Hôtel des Arts Saigon, MGallery Collection was voted Asia’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel, Banyan Tree Lăng Cô walked away with Asia’s Leading Luxury Beach Resort, Capella Hanoi was honoured with Asia’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel, Nha Trang Marriott Resort & Spa, Hon Tre Island was presented with Asia’s Leading New Resort, Naman Retreat took Asia’s Leading Retreat and Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills was selected as Asia’s Leading Themed Resort.

Other winners from Vietnam included:

• Vietnam’s Leading Beach Hotel - Mường Thanh Luxury Da Nang Hotel
• Vietnam’s Leading Beach Resort - Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort
• Vietnam’s Leading Boutique Beach Resort - La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery
• Vietnam’s Leading Boutique Hotel - Capella Hanoi
• Vietnam’s Leading Boutique Resort - La Veranda Resort Phú Quốc – MGallery
• Vietnam’s Leading Business Hotel - InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72
• Vietnam’s Leading Car Rental Company - Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Vietnam’s Leading City Hotel - Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection
• Vietnam’s Leading City Lifestyle Hotel - voco Ma Belle Danang
• Vietnam’s Leading Conference Hotel - InterContinental Saigon
• Vietnam’s Leading Cultural Destination - Hanoi
• Vietnam’s Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction - Tam Chuc Complex
• Vietnam’s Leading Design Hotel - Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery
• Vietnam’s Leading Destination Management Company - Lux Travel DMC
• Vietnam’s Leading Family Resort - Premier Village Danang Resort - Managed by Accor
• Vietnam’s Leading Honeymoon Resort - Amanoi
• Vietnam’s Leading Hotel - Park Hyatt Saigon
• Vietnam’s Leading Hotel Residences - InterContinental Residences Saigon
• Vietnam’s Leading Hotel Suite - Presidential Suite @ Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection
• Vietnam’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel - The Memory - Danang
• Vietnam’s Leading Luxury Family Resort - InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
• Vietnam’s Leading Luxury Hotel - The Reverie Saigon
• Vietnam’s Leading Luxury Resort - InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
• Vietnam’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre - Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center
• Vietnam’s Leading Online Travel Agency - iVIVU.com
• Vietnam’s Leading Resort - JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
• Vietnam’s Leading Riverfront Hotel - Novotel Danang Premier Han River
• Vietnam’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand - The Ascott Limited
• Vietnam’s Leading Serviced Apartments - Fraser Suites Hanoi
• Vietnam’s Leading Theme Park - Sun World Ba Na Hills
• Vietnam’s Leading Tour Operator - Vietravel
• Vietnam’s Leading Tourist Attraction - Sun World Fansipan Legend
• Vietnam’s Leading Travel Agency - Vietravel
• Vietnam’s Leading Villa Resort - Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
• Vietnam’s Leading Water Park - Aquatopia Water Park
• Vietnam’s Most Romantic Resort - Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

More Information

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

World Travel Awards gala ceremonies are widely regarded as the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries and international print and broadcast media.

For more information about, visit the official website.