The awards were presented at the World Travel Awards 2026 ceremony for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean in the Maldives on September 27, where a delegation from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri province attended the event.

This is the second time the park has received both honours, according to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board.

The recognition at both the regional and national levels highlights the appeal of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, known for its distinctive karst landscapes, spectacular cave systems, underground rivers and globally significant biodiversity.

The awards also underscore the importance of balancing tourism development with the conservation of the World Natural Heritage Site’s outstanding values.

Dinh Huy Tri, deputy director of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, told international media on the sidelines of the ceremony that the recognition was a great honour but also placed greater responsibility on the park to protect its natural heritage.

“Conservation will always be the foundation for Phong Nha-Ke Bang to develop sustainable tourism and continue to be one of the world's attractive nature destinations,” he said, adding that the park hoped the awards would help bring Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Quang Tri and Vietnam closer to international travellers.

The delegation also used the event to promote Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Quang Tri, showcasing destination images, tourism materials and products to international delegates, businesses and tourism organisations.

It also held meetings with Graham Cooke, President of World Group and founder of the World Travel Awards, Abdulla Yasir, Chief Executive Director and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), representatives of the Maldives-Vietnam Economic Association and other international partners.

The discussions focused on destination promotion, market connectivity, experience sharing and expanding opportunities for cooperation, with the aim of attracting more international visitors to Phong Nha-Ke Bang and Quang Tri Province.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park shortlisted for World Travel Awards 2026

VOV.VN - Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri province in central Vietnam has been shortlisted for the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2026 in two categories: Asia’s Leading National Park and Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination, according to its management board on April 10.