Winners of the 17^th Viet Nam Tourism Awards, the most prestigious in the sector, were announced at a ceremony in Ha Noi on July 9.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presented the prizes to the winners, who were out standing performers in their respective categories in 2015, included the top ten of five-star, four-star and three-star hotels and the top ten tour operators of inbound, outbound and domestic services.InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula in Da Nang, Rex in Ho Chi Minh City, Sofitel Legend Metropole Ha Noi were among the ten leading five-star hotels and resorts. Most of the best four-star and three-star lodging facilities named at the ceremony were from the southern region.

The top ten inbound service providers receive the 17th Vietnam Tourism Awards (Photo: baodulich.net.vn)

Saigontourist, Fiditour, Ben Thanh Tourist and Vietnamtourism-Ha Noi were among leading companies recognised in all three categories of inbound, outbound and domestic services for tour operators.

Top providers of transport, restaurant and souvenir services also saw their contributions honoured.

This year’s awards for the first time included the ten best tourism complexes, including Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, Vinpearlland Phu Quoc, Vinpearlland Nha Trang and FLC Sam Son.

General Director of the Viet Nam National Tourism Administration (VNAT) Nguyen Van Tuan said enterprises are key to tourism development in Viet Nam in the past ten years.

The rising of Vietnamese strategic investors, such as Sungroup, Vingroup and FLC, and the entry of renowned global service providers are two significant boosters for the sector, he added.

Currently, there are 1,500 international and 13,000 domestic travel agencies operating in Viet Nam.

(Source: VNA)