HCMC tourism wins three Asian honors at the 2026 World Travel Awards

Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism was honored with three Asian titles at the 2026 World Travel Awards ceremony, held in the Maldives on September 27, SGGP English Edition reported.

HCMC's awards

• Asia's Leading Business Travel Destination 2026
• Asia's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2026
• Asia's Leading City Tourist Board 2026

Other Vietnamese winners

• Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC): Vietnam's Leading Meetings & Conference Center 2026.
• Vietravel Corporation: Asia's Leading Tour Operator 2026 and Vietnam's Leading Tour Operator 2026.
• TSTtourist: Vietnam's Leading Travel Agency 2026, a title it had also won in 2018.

Comments from winners

Vietravel Chairman Nguyen Quoc Ky said the company aims to build a Vietnamese brand with international competitiveness while creating sustainable value for the tourism industry. TSTtourist Chairman Lai Minh Duy described the award as a valued recognition that supports efforts to strengthen links between Vietnam and international visitors.

About the awards

Founded in 1993, the World Travel Awards are often called the "Oscars of the travel industry." They recognize excellence across travel, aviation, hospitality and tourism.

Relevance for residents

The festival and event title reflects the city's busy calendar of exhibitions, concerts and cultural festivals, which expats can enjoy year-round. The business travel award points to the city's role as a regional meetings hub, with SECC in District 7 being a prominent venue. The article does not describe any new programs tied to the awards.

Source: SGGP English Edition.