The 31st World Travel Awards for Asia and Oceania is now accepting votes, and Vietnam is encouraging locals and international friends alike to show their support for the country’s tourism industry by casting their votes at www.worldtravelawards.com.
Hanoi is a contender for two prestigious awards
 |
| Hanoi’s iconic Long Bien Bridge at sunset. Photo: Pham An |
Following its success at the World Travel Awards 2023, Hanoi has been nominated in two categories this year: Asia’s Leading City Break Destination 2024 and Asia’s Leading City Destination 2024. These nominations recognize Hanoi’s unique blend of a vibrant lifestyle and rich cultural heritage.
The city stands out for its friendly and helpful locals, as well as its diverse cuisine, offering both traditional and innovative dishes. Deborah Brown, an Australian expat living in Hanoi, shared her impression of the city’s sublime natural beauty and the lasting memories it leaves on foreign visitors. She noted that Hanoi’s Old Quarter Area, a key destination, offers great tourism value.
 |
| Trang Tien Street in Hanoi after the rain. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi Group |
“Hanoi is transforming into a sophisticated Asian destination. It embodies Asian culture at its core while also embracing a Western perspective,” she added.
Hanoi’s friendly people, coupled with political stability, position the city for solid growth in the coming years. This is reflected in the steady increase in foreign visitors to Vietnam in recent years. According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, there was a notable surge in foreign arrivals in the first five months of 2024, with 496.5 thousand foreign tourists out of a total of 11.55 million visitors to Hanoi, marking a 46.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
 |
| Yen or Canary Stream, Perfume Pagoda, Hanoi during the water lily season. Photo: Tran Thanh Viet |
Hanoi is committed to sustainable and efficient development, aiming to be a gateway for tourists and a transfer point for travelers exploring the north and the entire country. The city strives to be a ‘Safe – Friendly – Quality – Attractive’ destination.
Other notable nominations from Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City has been nominated for Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2024. In central Vietnam, the ancient town of Hoi An and the former imperial city of Hue are contenders for Asia’s Leading Culture City Destination 2024.
Phu Quoc, the famous Emerald Island tourist attraction, is in the running for Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024. Ha Giang and Ha Nam, two provinces in northern Vietnam, are finalists for Asia’s Leading Regional Cultural Destination 2024. The captivating Moc Chau Plateau in the mountainous province of Son La has been nominated as Asia’s Leading Regional Natural Destination for 2024.
 |
| Moc Chau Plateau, Son La Province, in spring. Photo: Bong House |
Vietnam shines in multiple national award categories
At the World Travel Awards 2024 national level, Vietnam is a finalist in several significant categories. These include Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2024, Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2024, Asia’s Leading Destination 2024, Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination 2024, Asia’s Leading Natural Destination 2024, and Asia’s Leading Youth Travel Destination 2024.
The Vietnam National Tourism Authority is nominated for Asia’s Leading Tourism Board 2024. Additionally, the Hanoi Tourism Department and Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department are competing for the title of Asia’s Leading City Tourism Board 2024, while the Quang Nam Tourism Department is in the running for Asia’s Leading Regional City Tourism Board 2024.
There are also numerous other nominations for Vietnam’s aviation industry, hotels, resorts, and natural destinations, showcasing the country’s diverse appeal.
 |
| The ancient palace in Hue City. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center |
Cast Your Vote for Vietnam
- Visit the website www.worldtravelawards.com
- Select “Vote,” then “Register” to create a voter account
- Fill in the registration form and submit it
- Confirm your account via the registered email
- Log in with your new account credentials
- Select nominations from Vietnam Tourism and cast your votes
Note: Each account can only vote once per award category. Voting closes on July 23, 2024, so make sure to cast your votes before then!
Developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region
NDO – The Prime Minister has approved the overall planning and a master plan for developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region until 2020 with a vision extending to 2030.
Con Dao island named Asia’s paradise sea: CNN
NDO/VNA – Boasting crystal turquoise sea and a placid atmosphere, Con Dao island in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau has been named by the US Cable News Network (CNN) as one of Asia’s paradise seas.
Vietnam Military History Museum receives Fatherland Protection Order
NDO – The Vietnam Military History Museum held a ceremony in Hanoi on July 15 to celebrate its 60th anniversary (1956-2016) and receive the Fatherland Protection Order, first class.
Ancient house in Ma May
NDO – Ma May, a rare quarter that still retains several old houses, has created one of the characteristics of Hanoi. Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded and traditional features can sometimes be hidden behind modern life. But if one takes the time to relax and look around, the ancient features begin to reveal themselves.
Ho Chi Minh City tourism strives to become spearhead economic sector
NDO—The Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee held a conference on March 8 to disseminate and implement the Politburo’s resolution on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector.
