HCM City receives multiple recognistions at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Poster courtesy of the HCM City Department of Tourism

HCM CITY — HCM City was honoured with three leading Asia awards at the 2026 World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania and Indian Ocean ceremony, held in the Maldives on September 27.

The three awards – Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination, Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination, Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board, awarded to the HCM City Department of Tourism – recognised the destination’s appeal, event-hosting capabilities, and the role of its tourism authority in the city’s international integration.

The titles further extend the city’s strong track record at international tourism awards.

At the 2025 World Travel Awards, the city was honoured in four categories, with Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination and Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination secured for four consecutive years (2022 - 2025), while Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board was awarded for three consecutive years (2023 - 2025).

As a major economic, commercial, innovation and international trade hub, HCM City continues to strengthen its tourism and events ecosystem, supported by transport infrastructure, convention and exhibition venues, accommodation, and a diverse range of cultural, culinary, entertainment and experiential offerings.

The city is also expanding its tourism offerings beyond the urban core to waterways, coastal and island destinations, and ecological areas, providing more choices for visitors and event organisers.

The international recognition is also a shared achievement of the tourism sector, with the contribution of tourism businesses, service providers, event organisers, airlines, transport operators and the local community.

It provides further momentum for the sector to innovate, enhance service quality and promote the “Vibrant HCM City” brand to domestic and international visitors.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is an international awards programme for the travel and tourism industry, recognising outstanding destinations, organisations and businesses.

The awards are organised across various regions worldwide, with categories covering destinations, airlines, accommodation, travel companies, and tourism management and promotion organisations. — VNS