The award sought to commend journalistic works that have contributed to the sustainable development of the city’s tourism industry, while at the same time opening up strategic perspectives for its next phase of growth.

At the ceremony, 17 prizes were awarded to outstanding journalistic works, including three first, four second, three third and seven consolation prizes across the categories of print and online newspapers, radio–television, and photojournalism.

The winning entries were selected from nearly 200 submissions by 25 central and local news organisations and broadcasters.

Speaking at the event, Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, emphasised that at every stage of the city’s tourism development in recent years, there has been the close companionship of news agencies and the press.

Journalistic works have not only vividly promoted the city’s land, people and tourism development to visitors, but have also played an important role as a bridge between management authorities, enterprises and the public.

Many critical articles proposing practical solutions drawn from reality have helped improve service quality and foster tourism development in a more professional direction.

Sharing the same view, Nguyen Thi Khanh, Chairperson of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, affirmed that the press is a reliable support, promptly reflecting institutional obstacles to propose solutions for their removal, thereby creating new development space for linked regional tourism products.