Ho Chi Minh City wins 3 top Asian tourism awards in 2026

Ho Chi Minh City was honored in three categories at the World Travel Awards 2026 (WTA) for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, held recently in the Maldives.

The city was named Asia's Leading Business Travel Destination 2026, Asia's Leading Festival & Event Destination 2026, and Asia's Leading City Tourist Board 2026.

The three awards extend the city's run of recognition at international tourism awards.

At the World Travel Awards 2025, Ho Chi Minh City won four titles, including Asia's Leading Business Travel Destination and Asia's Leading Festival & Event Destination for the fourth consecutive year from 2022 to 2025.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also won Asia's Leading City Tourist Board for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025.

The city has also maintained a strong record in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions/events (MICE) tourism at the World MICE Awards, being named Asia's Leading MICE Destination for six consecutive years from 2020 to 2025 and Asia's Leading Incentive Destination in 2024.

The Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC) was named Asia's Best Trade Show in 2024 and 2025.

The city's position as an economic, commercial and international trading hub provides favorable conditions for developing tourism products for business travelers, conferences and events.

The city has a transport network, accommodation facilities, convention and exhibition centers, as well as dining, entertainment and experiential services for these visitor groups.

Tourism products have also expanded beyond the central urban area to river, coastal, island and ecological routes, offering more options for visitors and event groups.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the city will pursue the development direction of "Ho Chi Minh City – A Connected Destination, Creating Value," strengthening links between tourism and business, culture, cuisine and entertainment while improving service quality and destination competitiveness.

The tourism sector will also continue promoting the "Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City" brand among domestic and international visitors.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognizes destinations, organizations and businesses in the tourism and travel industries.

According to Ho Chi Minh City's 2026 WTA profile, award winners are determined through an international voting process involving tourism professionals, businesses and travelers.