The dazzling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, emerged as the grand stage for the travel elite of Asia and Oceania during the spectacular World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023. Amid the twinkling lights of the GEM Center’s red carpet evening, the creme de la creme of the travel and tourism sectors awaited, with bated breath, the declaration of the year’s champions.

This illustrious event, marking the second chapter of the WTA’s grand 30th-anniversary celebrations, canvassed the globe to spotlight unparalleled excellence in travel and tourism organizations. Statistical data indicates that Asia and Oceania’s travel industry has boomed exponentially in recent years, and these awards embody the pinnacle of that success.

Vietnam was lauded as ‘Asia’s Leading Destination’ with its enchanting landscapes and unmatched hospitality. In further acknowledgment, Ha Giang province received accolades for ‘Asia’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’, while Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City grabbed titles for city destinations. Not to be outdone, the Philippines and Indonesia scooped up awards for dive and beach destinations, respectively.

Moving south, Australia showcased its all-encompassing allure by securing ‘Oceania’s Leading Destination’. Meanwhile, Melbourne and Fiji’s Tourism board also enjoyed their moments in the limelight.

Graham Cooke, the visionary behind the World Travel Awards, remarked, “This magnificent ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City is a testament to the relentless dedication and innovation of Asia and Oceania’s travel industries. The awarded are epitomes of commitment and excellence, setting remarkable benchmarks for global tourism.”

In hospitality, brands such as Shilla Monogram Quangnam Danang, Raffles Singapore, and Hotel de la Coupole MGallery caught the audience’s attention with their prestigious titles. The aviation sector also witnessed giants like Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines clinching awards.

The complete list of the night’s victors, spanning various categories from leading new hotels to the aviation sector, is available on the official WTA website.

As the curtains fell on this momentous evening, it became clear that Asia and Oceania’s tourism industry, represented by its distinguished winners, is forging a path of unprecedented excellence, creating unparalleled experiences for travellers worldwide.

Written by: Anne Keam

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