The Katien Ranger Patrol, operated by Katien Safari, a tourism venture of Vietnam’s Oxalis Adventure, is one of three finalists in the category, alongside projects from Brazil and Cameroon.

The tour takes visitors deep into the forest together with rangers and local experts, allowing them to join patrol activities and learn about efforts to protect the ecosystem rather than simply visiting the park as tourists.

Part of the tour revenue is used to support forest patrols, remove wildlife traps, monitor animals through camera systems and protect the ecosystem at Cat Tien National Park.

Oxalis Adventure built its global reputation through sustainable expedition management in Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to Son Doong, the world's largest cave. With Katien Safari, Oxalis extended its operational practices and conservation model to Cat Tien National Park in southern Vietnam.

A core column of Oxalis Adventure’s long-term sustainability strategy is the development of the Ta Lai community tourism village, located right on the buffer zone of Cat Tien National Park. Home to the indigenous Chau Ma and S'tieng ethnic communities, Ta Lai represents a model where local heritage and nature conservation intersect.

Rather than imposing external tourism structures, Oxalis works directly with the Chau Ma and S'tieng people, equipping them with professional hospitality skills, guiding expertise, and cultural storytelling roles. By partnering with Oxalis, villagers gain stable jobs, fair incomes, and business opportunities through homestays, traditional crafts, and local cuisine.

The selection of "Katien Ranger Patrol" as a BGTW finalist reflects core priorities in modern ecotourism, including direct conservation action with tour revenue to help fund anti-poaching operations, snare collection, wildlife tracking via camera traps, community integration with the project to create sustainable employment for ethnic minority communities, and immersive education with participants to gain firsthand insight into biodiversity management.

Spanning Lam Dong province and Dong Nai city, Cat Tien National Park covers an area of ​​nearly 73,900 hectares, making it one of Vietnam's largest nature reserves. The park is home to over 1,700 plant species and approximately 700 animal species. In 2025, Cat Tien National Park welcomed around 160,000 visitors for sightseeing, overnight stays, and research. Since 2023, visitor numbers have increased by approximately 50% annually.

Founded in 1960, the BGTW currently comprises over 220 professional travel journalists, authors, photographers, editors, TV producers, and bloggers.

The BGTW International Tourism Awards (ITA) recognise tourism projects, initiatives, and destinations across three categories: UK Tourism Project, European Tourism Project, and Wider World Tourism Project.

Tourism businesses and destination management bodies cannot self-nominate for the ITA; nominations must be submitted by a full member of the Association following their inspection and evaluation of the project. BGTW members then vote on the shortlisted projects.

The results of the 2026 ITA will be announced at the annual gala on November 2 at The Underglobe in London, UK. In addition to the top awards, finalists may receive a Certificate of Merit.

Vietnam takes leading tourism honours at World Travel Awards 2026

VOV.VN - Vietnam has earned major honours at the World Travel Awards 2026 in the Maldives, with the country named Asia’s Leading Destination and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination, alongside awards for destinations, airlines, tourism services and hospitality brands.