Cúc Phương National Park, a renowned destination in northern Vietnam, has once again clinched the title of “Asia’s Leading National Park”. This accolade marks the fifth consecutive year that the park has been honored at the 30th World Travel Award (WTA) Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony held on Wednesday in HCM City.
Established in 1962 and spanning 22,000 hectares across three provinces, Cúc Phương National Park boasts exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Home to numerous rare and endangered species, the park stands as a valuable ecological treasure in Asia. With its dense forests harboring over 2,000 plant species and 300 bird species, it is a magnet for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike, drawing over 10,000 visitors annually, many of whom are international tourists.
The park has successfully implemented conservation programs to safeguard its diverse flora and fauna, including the establishment of rescue and rehabilitation centers for endangered species like primates and turtles. It actively involves local communities in conservation efforts through community-based eco-tourism initiatives, offering alternative livelihoods while promoting sustainable tourism.
Visitors to the park can immerse themselves in a range of eco-tourism activities such as hiking trails, wildlife watching, and staying in ecolodges. It also serves as a vital hub for research and education in biodiversity and conservation, collaborating with national and international institutions for scientific studies, training workshops, and educational programs.
Competing against notable parks like Chitwan National Park (Nepal) and Komodo (Indonesia), Cúc Phương National Park emerged victorious, earning praise from Graham Cooke, founder and president of World Travel Award, for its biodiversity, successful conservation initiatives, community involvement, ecotourism opportunities, and research and education programs.
Nguyễn Văn Chính, director of Cúc Phương National Park, expressed gratitude for the recognition, seeing it as a significant stride toward becoming a renowned tourist destination not only in Vietnam but also in Asia.
Aside from Cúc Phương National Park, Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, received three prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards ceremony, underscoring its efforts in revitalizing and enriching its tourism industry post-pandemic challenges. These awards affirm Hanoi’s status as a leading city destination in Asia and highlight its appeal to travelers seeking unique experiences, particularly in night tours, culinary tourism, and urban exploration.
The World Travel Awards, dubbed the “Oscars” of global tourism, were launched in 1993 to recognize excellence in the travel and tourism industry, celebrating the achievements of industry leaders worldwide.