Vietnam’s Luxury Tourism Pioneer Earns Six Prestigious World Travel Awards Nominations, Reinforcing Two Decades of Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation
HANOI, VIETNAM — LuxGroup®, Vietnam’s pioneering luxury tourism company, has reached another defining milestone after receiving its first-ever nomination as Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group 2026 at the 33rd Annual World Travel Awards (WTA), widely recognized as the “Oscars of the travel industry.”
The landmark nomination reflects more than twenty years of entrepreneurial vision, innovation, and sustainable growth, recognizing LuxGroup’s successful transformation from a boutique luxury tour operator into Vietnam’s leading integrated tourism ecosystem spanning destination management, boutique cruising, hospitality, gastronomy, transportation, arts, and cultural experiences.
For the first time, a Vietnamese tourism group is being recognized at this level, highlighting Vietnam’s emergence as one of Asia’s most dynamic luxury travel destinations.
Six Prestigious Nominations for Vietnam
In addition to the historic Group nomination, LuxGroup and its member companies have received six nominations at the World Travel Awards 2026:
* Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group 2026 — LuxGroup®
* Asia’s Leading Cruise Line 2026 — Lux Cruises Group®
* Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026 — Lux Travel DMC®
* Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2026 — Lux Travel DMC®
* Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award 2026 — Lux Travel DMC®
* Vietnam’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026 — Lux Travel DMC®
Together, these nominations recognize a uniquely Vietnamese tourism model that seamlessly integrates luxury travel, boutique cruising, authentic hospitality, heritage preservation, responsible tourism, and meaningful cultural experiences under one visionary brand.
From Boutique Pioneer to Integrated Tourism Leader
Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Dr. Phạm Hà, LuxGroup began with a simple mission: to introduce discerning travelers to the authentic soul of Vietnam through personalized journeys.
Over two decades, that vision has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive tourism companies.
Today, LuxGroup comprises an award-winning portfolio including Lux Travel DMC®, Lux Cruises Group®, LUX Hotels & Resorts®, Lux Dining®, Lux Transport®, Lux Arts Collection®, and emerging lifestyle brands, delivering seamless luxury experiences from arrival to departure.
Rather than operating independent businesses, the Group has created a fully integrated tourism ecosystem where every touchpoint reflects Vietnamese culture, craftsmanship, sustainability, and genuine hospitality.
Guided by its philosophy Luxury is Culture® and its mission of Delivering Happiness®, LuxGroup continues to redefine what luxury travel means in the twenty-first century.
Two Decades of Award-Winning Excellence
The World Travel Awards nominations build upon an exceptional record of international recognition earned by LuxGroup and its portfolio of brands.
For more than twenty years, Lux Travel DMC has established itself among Asia’s leading luxury destination management companies, receiving numerous World Travel Awards for Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator, Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company, and multiple national tourism honors recognizing service excellence, innovation, and leadership.
The company has also been recognized among the Luxury Lifestyle Awards Top 100 Travel Agencies & Tour Operators of the World, joining an exclusive collection of globally respected travel brands celebrated for excellence, innovation, and outstanding customer experiences.
Sustainability has become another defining pillar of LuxGroup’s success.
Lux Travel DMC is proudly Travelife Certified, one of the world’s most respected sustainability certifications for tour operators. The certification acknowledges measurable achievements across environmental management, biodiversity conservation, fair employment, responsible supply chains, human rights, cultural preservation, and community engagement, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to responsible tourism.
In Vietnam, LuxGroup has received multiple Green Tourism Awards from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) and the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA), recognizing its leadership in sustainable tourism development, environmental stewardship, and responsible business practices.
These achievements reinforce LuxGroup’s belief that sustainability is not simply an operational commitment but a strategic advantage that creates long-term value for travelers, destinations, communities, and future generations.
Vietnam’s Most Storied Boutique Cruise Fleet
On the water, Lux Cruises Group has become Vietnam’s first luxury boutique sea and river cruise line and the country’s most storied cruise fleet.
Its award-winning collection includes Emperor Cruises, inspired by the lifestyle of Emperor Bảo Đại; Heritage Cruises Bình Chuẩn, honoring shipping pioneer Bạch Thái Bưởi; and Amiral Cruises for Presidents, launched on the Saigon River on 5 June 2026 to introduce a new era of luxury river cruising before expanding into the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.
The international recognition has continued to grow.
In the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, Heritage Cruises Bình Chuẩn was ranked No. 5, while Emperor Cruises achieved No. 6 among the Best River Cruise Experiences in Asia-Pacific, confirming Vietnam’s emergence as one of the region’s most exciting boutique cruise destinations.
Guest recognition has been equally remarkable.
On TripAdvisor, Emperor Cruises Nha Trang currently ranks No. 1 among hundreds of tours and activities in Nha Trang, while LuxGroup’s brands consistently receive TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing them among the world’s highest-rated travel experiences.
These distinctions reflect not only industry recognition but also the trust, loyalty, and enthusiasm of thousands of international travelers who have experienced Vietnam through LuxGroup’s journeys.
Luxury with Purpose
Unlike conventional hospitality companies, LuxGroup has built its business around the belief that authentic luxury should enrich both travelers and destinations.
Across every brand, guests experience locally sourced cuisine, meaningful cultural encounters, Vietnamese contemporary art, heritage storytelling, community partnerships, slow travel philosophies, and personalized service designed around emotional connection rather than excess.
The Group’s long-term sustainability strategy includes regenerative tourism initiatives, support for local artisans and farmers, heritage conservation, reduced environmental impact, responsible sourcing, and a commitment to becoming Net Positive by 2030.
For LuxGroup, luxury is measured not by extravagance, but by authenticity, purpose, and lasting memories.
Vision 2045: Building Vietnam’s Tourism Future
Looking beyond today’s achievements, LuxGroup continues to pursue one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious tourism visions.
Its Vision 2045 includes developing a fleet of 30 luxury boutique cruise vessels, expanding river and coastal cruising throughout Vietnam and neighboring countries, strengthening boutique hospitality, investing in cultural preservation, embracing digital transformation, and positioning Vietnam among the world’s most desirable luxury destinations.
The Group’s growth strategy remains firmly rooted in Vietnamese identity while embracing global standards of excellence.
“Our ambition has never been to become the biggest,” says Dr. Phạm Hà, Founder and Chairman of LuxGroup.
“We aspire to become one of Asia’s most respected tourism groups by creating meaningful journeys that celebrate Vietnamese culture, preserve heritage, embrace sustainability, and deliver happiness to every guest. These nominations belong to our dedicated team, our trusted partners, our local communities, and every traveler who has believed in Vietnam.”
Help Vietnam Make History
Voting for the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean 2026 closes on 7 August 2026.
LuxGroup invites travelers, partners, media, industry colleagues, and friends worldwide to support Vietnam’s tourism industry by casting their votes.
Every vote recognizes Vietnamese entrepreneurship.
Every vote celebrates Vietnamese hospitality.
Every vote supports sustainable tourism.
Every vote helps position Vietnam among Asia’s leading luxury travel destinations.
Vote for:
* LuxGroup® — Asia’s Leading Integrated Tourism Group 2026
* Lux Cruises Group® — Asia’s Leading Cruise Line 2026
* Lux Travel DMC® — Asia’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026
* Lux Travel DMC® — Asia’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2026
* Lux Travel DMC® — Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award 2026
* Lux Travel DMC® — Vietnam’s Leading Destination Management Company 2026
Voting closes on 7 August 2026.
Every vote is a vote for Vietnam.
About LuxGroup®
Founded in 2005 by Dr. Phạm Hà, LuxGroup® is Vietnam’s leading integrated luxury tourism and hospitality group, bringing together award-winning brands across destination management, boutique cruising, hotels and resorts, gastronomy, transportation, arts, and cultural experiences. Guided by its philosophy Luxury is Culture®, its mission Delivering Happiness®, and its commitment to Net Positive Tourism by 2030, LuxGroup continues to create transformative journeys that celebrate Vietnam’s people, heritage, rivers, seas, and living culture. Through its bold Vision 2045, the Group aims to build Asia’s most respected collection of boutique tourism brands while sharing Vietnam’s extraordinary stories with the world.
