Hanoi (VNA) – Tourism is not only an economic sector but also an industry of experiences, connection, and national image, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh said, underlining that the recognition of Vietnam as the World’s Leading Heritage Destination and Asia’s Leading Culinary Destination, along with tens of millions of international and domestic visitors, affirms Vietnam’s growth in global tourism.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks at the ceremony for the Vietnam Tourism Awards on September 27, 2025, the most prestigious and highly regarded accolades in the country’s tourism industry.
In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong emphasised that in its 20th edition, the Vietnam Tourism Awards continue to drive innovation, enhance service quality, diversify products, and build tourism brands. The awards also encourage investment in training, professional development, and human resources, while honouring units that combine business growth with environmental and community protection.
The 113 awardees this year represent the comprehensive development of Vietnam’s tourism industry, covering various segments including travel, accommodation, transport, restaurants, spas, education, media, and product innovation.
As one of the honourees of the title “Best International Tour Operator in Vietnam 2025”, and steadfast in its commitment to luxury, sustainability, and ESG leadership while promoting heritage in tourism, Dr. Pham Ha, Chairman of LuxGroup and CEO of Lux Travel DMC, said the award is an affirmation that true luxury must come with responsibility, and growth must go hand in hand with the preservation of heritage.
To lead the company’s sustainable development, Ha said his management philosophy is grounded in the “three balances”: customers and technology; quality and safety; and recognition of heritage.
Deputy Minister Phong noted that to achieve the government’s 2025 goals of welcoming 25 million international visitors and serving 150 million domestic tourists, businesses must develop a smart tourism ecosystem through comprehensive digital transformation.
The sector has launched a movement to promote environmentally responsible services; develop diverse tourism products based on local heritage; and new trends such as luxury resort tourism, wellness travel, agricultural, and culinary tourism.
He also stressed the importance of improving transport infrastructure connecting destinations, promotional campaigns, and leveraging the support of Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad. Strengthening tourism partnerships, both bilaterally and through international organisations, was also highlighted as a key strategy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Chinh called on the sector to continue innovating, accelerating digital transformation, and developing green and community-based tourism to meet the 2025 targets of 25 million international arrivals and 150 million domestic travellers.
The Vietnam Tourism Awards play an essential role in promoting Vietnam’s image as a friendly, safe, and appealing destination, while encouraging businesses to innovate, and enhance the quality of products and services to better meet the diverse needs of tourists./.
