Vietnam has become the world’s leading heritage destination selected by the World Travel Awards (WTAs) in 2020, beating out other nominees such as Brazil, Egypt, Moscow (Russia), Porto (northern Portugal), and Saudi Arabia.

Hanoi Opera House. Photo: Duy Khanh

This was the second year in a row that the country won the title which proves the country's efforts in preserving its cultural heritage. It is the golden opportunity for Vietnam to continue  affirming the appeal of Vietnamese tourism, its brand as well as improving its position on the international tourist map.

The WTAs collected votes by travel industry professionals and travelers around the world. The awards were presented by the WTAs following a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands. 

Earlier, for the fourth consecutive year Vietnam was named Asia’s leading destination in the culinary, culture, and heritage categories at the 2020 World Travel Awards - Asia region. 

The WTAs are dubbed the Oscars of the travel industry by the Wall Street Journal. Launched in 1993, the WTA is to acknowledge excellence in the travel and tourism industry. They acknowledge high standard of the quality in the tourism industry.