Travel

VITA Awards 2026 honour 106 winners

The winners were recognised for breakthrough and innovative tourism policies in 2025, best tourism villages, leading destinations, top attractions and parks, standout new tourism products, top travel companies, and best-in-class lodging and dining, among others.

At the award ceremony (Photo: VNA)
At the award ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Binh (VNA) - The Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) and the Ninh Binh provincial People's Committee celebrated the best of the country’s travel industry on July 9, honouring 106 winners across nine categories at the VITA Awards 2026.

They were recognised for breakthrough and innovative tourism policies in 2025, best tourism villages, leading destinations, top attractions and parks, standout new tourism products, top travel companies, and best-in-class lodging and dining, among others.

VITA Standing Vice Chairwoman Cao Thi Ngoc Lan said the 2026 awards debut a new framework designed to deliver a prestigious, objective and transparent seal of approval. It aims to celebrate excellence, sharpen destination branding, fuel innovation, speed up digital transformation and green transition, advance responsible tourism, and lift the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry in the new period.

Future editions will draw on feedback from localities and businesses to make evaluation criteria, selection process and overall setup more professional, open and transparent, she said. A bigger push will link recognition to networking, consulting and business support, while shining a spotlight on the industry’s core values going forward: green, digital, innovative, distinctive, quality and responsible.

Bui Van Manh, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism, reaffirmed Ninh Binh's commitment to partnering with the business community, improving the business climate, developing integrated infrastructure, accelerating administrative reform, driving digital transformation and green transition, building a highly skilled tourism workforce, diversifying products, fostering regional connectivity and expanding global cooperation. The goal is to establish Ninh Binh as one of the leading tourism destinations in Vietnam and the region.

Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, noted that Vietnam has emerged as a safe and stable getaway with a rich mix of products, backed by an increasingly open and smart visa policy. The sector is riding those tailwinds to capture more market share and raise service quality.

Momentum remains strong, setting the stage to welcome 25 million foreign visitors this year. Tourism is expected to be a key driver in hitting the country’s double-digit economic growth target, he added./.

​

VNA
#Kỷ nguyên mới #KNM #Vietnam National Authority of Tourism #Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Follow VietnamPlus

Happy Vietnam

Related News

UAE Ambassador to Vietnam Bader Almatrooshi speaks at the conference, themed "Vietnam: A New Destination of Halal Tourism", held in Khanh Hoa province on July 8, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam emerging as new destination for Halal tourism

Vietnam will continue to improve institutional frameworks and standards, develop human resources, expand Halal-certified services, strengthen international cooperation, promote business partnerships, and build the country's brand as a new destination for Halal tourism.

Thung Nham Ecotourism Area adopts green tourism practices. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pushes circular tourism to drive green growth

Unlike conventional sustainable tourism, circular tourism goes beyond reducing environmental impacts. It embraces a regenerative approach in which every journey contributes to restoring ecosystems, preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the resilience of local communities.

See more

A visitor enjoys hands-on farming activities, including preparing the soil, planting vegetables and watering crops, in Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An Tay ward, Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Dang Huong Giang (L), Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, presents flowers to Hanoi's five millionth international visitor of 2026 and her tour group from Spain at Noi Bai International Airport on the afternoon of July 7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi welcomes 5 millionth international visitor in 2026

Hanoi aims to welcome more than 9 million foreign arrivals this year and has achieved over half of that target. Hieu noted that the milestone is not only a source of pride for the city's tourism industry but also a positive signal reflecting its growing appeal among international travellers.

Foreign tourists visit the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City remains leading destination for international visitors

Beyond its traditional strengths in city tours, MICE tourism, shopping and cuisine, the city now offers a broader range of attractions, including coastal areas, eco-tourism sites, traditional craft villages, industrial tourism and cultural, historical and spiritual destinations.

Tourists enjoy Khem beach in Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Phu Quoc strengthens global tourism appeal ahead of APEC 2027

To improve its tourism image and experience for tourists, the special zone has launched the campaign titled "Every Phu Quoc resident is a tourism ambassador" and established a tourism rapid response team to protect and assist holiday-makers.

Ninh Binh is praised for its limestone mountains, rice fields and winding rivers. (Photo: VNA)

French magazine spotlights Vietnam as destination for diverse experiences

Paris Match says Vietnam's appeal extends beyond its landscapes and luxury resorts. Its unique combination of nature, history, cultural heritage and local life offers travellers a wide range of authentic experiences, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for international travellers.

Minister Counsellor Pham Quang Huy (in black) introduces Vietnam's pavilion to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam's pavilion draws crowds at WTO Open Day 2026

Vietnam's pavilion emerged as one of the highlights of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Open Day 2026 in Geneva on July 5, attracting a steady stream of visitors eager to savour authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Many said the experience had inspired them to visit Vietnam in the near future.

Visitors enjoy the sunset at Sunset Sanato Beach in Phu Quoc. (Photo: VNA)

Tourism emerges as key driver of economic growth

Vietnam’s tourism performance has been widely regarded as a bright spot at a time when the global tourism industry continues to face significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts in several regions, slowing global economic growth, rising oil prices and higher travel costs.

Biba Magazine spotlights must-try Vietnamese dishes in a recent article. (Photo published by VNA)

French magazine highlights must-try dishes in Vietnam

According to Biba Magazine, Vietnam's regional culinary diversity, fresh ingredients and refined cooking techniques have elevated its cuisine far beyond iconic dishes such as pho and spring rolls, making it one of the country's most memorable attractions for international visitors.

International tourists stroll through downtown Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

FIT boom creates new opportunities for Vietnam's tourism

According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), FIT has become one of the defining trends in post-pandemic tourism. Increasingly, travellers are seeking flexibility, personalised experiences and authentic cultural engagement, prompting destinations worldwide to rethink their tourism products, services and marketing strategies.

The “5 Cua O” heritage train brings new experience to travellers (Photo: VNA)

Heritage trains carve new niche in Vietnam’s tourism strategy

On a weekend morning, the “5 Cua O” (Hanoi Five Gates) heritage train pulled out of Hanoi Railway Station to the strains of “xam tau dien” - a traditional folk music echoing through a community carriage. Outside the window, the bustle of the Old Quarter gradually receded and the iron span of the historic Long Bien Bridge slid into view.