Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh presenting the award to the Top 10 Best Green Hotels

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong said that after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s tourism industry has strongly recovered, becoming one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia. According to the ASEAN Secretariat, Vietnam is currently the country with the highest tourism recovery rate in the region, reaching 98% compared to the pre-pandemic period. A report from the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) showed that in the first six months of 2025, Vietnam’s tourism growth reached 21%, among the highest in the world. In the first eight months, the country welcomed nearly 14 million international arrivals, up 21.7% year-on-year; served 106 million domestic tourists; and generated an estimated VND 707 trillion in total revenue. Vietnam has also continuously improved its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index.

These achievements are the result of the Government’s decisive leadership, the coordination of ministries, sectors, and localities, along with the companionship of businesses and the media. The tourism industry has actively leveraged natural and cultural resources, while innovating products, improving service quality, diversifying experiences, building destination brands, and promoting the application of technology in management, marketing, and promotion.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong emphasized that the Vietnam Tourism Awards aim to honor organizations, enterprises, training institutions, and media agencies that have made outstanding contributions to the development of tourism. This recognition is well-deserved for pioneering units, reaffirming the vital role of tourism in the national economy, while serving as motivation for innovation, competitiveness, and international integration.

In 2025, the Awards celebrate their 20th edition, coinciding with major national milestones: the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, the 80th anniversary of the traditional day of the culture sector, and the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s tourism industry. The ceremony was held on World Tourism Day, September 27, echoing UN Tourism’s call for sustainable tourism development.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong speaking at the event

This year, the organizers received 209 submissions. The judging council, composed of 11 members representing government agencies, associations, and experts, conducted an objective and transparent evaluation based on clear criteria for each category. As a result, 113 outstanding enterprises and organizations were honored across 18 awards, reflecting the comprehensive development of the tourism industry, from travel services, accommodation, transport, restaurants, and spas to training, media, and product innovation. According to the Law on Emulation and Commendation 2022 and Decree No. 98/2023/ND-CP, starting this year, the Vietnam Tourism Awards will be granted every five years.

At the ceremony, Dragon Golf Links proudly received the title of “Top 10 Golf Courses for Tourists.” This important category recognizes units with excellent services, well-developed infrastructure, and the capacity to attract and serve both domestic and international visitors. Pham Minh Hieu, General Director of Van Huong Investment & Tourism JSC, expressed his pride: “We are truly touched that the efforts of the Dragon Golf Links team and the dedication of Van Huong’s leadership have been recognized at the most prestigious awards of the tourism industry. This honor is not only a source of pride but also a strong affirmation of the path we have chosen: to build a unique, world-class golf destination that offers exceptional experiences for tourists. This award will further inspire us to continue innovating, improving service quality, and realizing our goal of positioning Dragon Golf Links as a must-visit destination on the Asian golf map.”

Top 10 Outbound International Travel Agencies awarded at the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025.

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Head of the State Steering Committee on Tourism, stressed that tourism is not only an economic sector but also an “industry of experiences and emotions,” an art of connection that spreads the image of a hospitable and friendly Vietnam. He set the target for 2025 at 25 million international arrivals, 150 million domestic visitors, and total revenue exceeding VND 1 quadrillion. He called for joint efforts: “Let us turn aspirations into action, transform potential into reality; unite and innovate so that Vietnam’s tourism can make a breakthrough, contributing to building a prosperous and happy nation.”

The Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025 are not only a platform to honor outstanding individuals and collectives but also serve as a forum for the tourism sector to pursue sustainable development. The event encourages innovation, attracts investment, and promotes the protection of natural resources while spreading cultural and social values. It is also an opportunity to strongly promote Vietnam as a safe, friendly, and attractive destination, encouraging enterprises to continuously enhance their products and services and affirming the nation’s stature on the global tourism map.