The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Receives ASEAN MICE Venue Award
Within the framework of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 (ATF 2024) held from January 24 to January 26, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos, numerous activities were organized, including: The 59th Meeting of ASEAN National Tourism Organizations; The TRAVEX 2024 International Travel Fair; The 44th Meeting of ASEAN+3 National Tourism Organizations; The 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers; The 11th Meeting of ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers; The 23rd Meeting of ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers; The 3rd Meeting of ASEAN-Russia Tourism Ministers; The ASEAN Tourism Awards Ceremony; The ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Press Conference. Alongside these, there were many other side activities.
On January 26, 2024, the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2024 ceremony was held. The ASEAN Tourism Awards is an annual event that honors localities and units with high-quality tourism products and services, contributing to the sustainable development of tourist destinations in the ASEAN region. The awards provide an opportunity for tourism businesses and local tourism organizations to effectively market their business activities and contribute to the promotion of national tourism brands. Vietnam was honored to have 25 units receive awards, among which the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi was one of five units to be awarded the ASEAN MICE Venue Award in the category of Event Venue.
MICE tourism includes four main types: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions or Events tours. This type of tourism, which combines conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and rewards, is referred to as MICE and is currently experiencing significant growth in Vietnam, both in terms of international arrivals (Inbound market) and domestic departures (Outbound market). Vietnam, now recognized as one of the world’s safest destinations, is attracting foreign investors, an important demographic for MICE tourism. The country possesses several advantages for the robust development of the MICE tourism market, beyond its rich natural resources. After 20 years of renovation and particularly since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam has deeply integrated into the global economy, established diplomatic relations with many countries, and seized numerous opportunities for international cooperation and exchange. This integration has enabled Vietnam to host many large-scale international events, conferences, and seminars with participation from numerous organizations and individuals worldwide. Additionally, in recent years, MICE tourism has become a crucial market that countries in the region, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and China, have focused on and invested in developing. Vietnam, coming later into the field, can benefit from the experiences of these countries, helping its MICE tourism market become more professional and successful, leveraging its existing advantages in natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and a rapidly developing system of hotels and resorts. According to calculations by tourism companies, the MICE tourism segment generates revenue six times higher than regular tourism.
Recognizing the advantages of this type of tourism and leveraging its strengths, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi has successfully organized numerous major national, regional, and international events over the years. These activities have significantly contributed to promoting the value of the site, the culture, architecture, and people of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general. Therefore, receiving the ASEAN MICE Venue Award in the category of event venue is not only an acknowledgment and a means of attracting more tourists but also serves as a motivation for the unit to excel further in its specialized work and enhance the values that have been honored.
At this year’s awards ceremony, Vietnam was honored to have 25 localities and units recognized across six award categories:
- ASEAN Green Hotel Award: 5 units
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort
- Majestic Saigon Hotel
- Diamond Star Ben Tre Hotel
- Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
- ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award: 3 cities
- Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
- Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh Province
- Vung Tau City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province
- ASEAN MICE Venue Award – Meeting Room Category: 5 units
- Lotte Hotel Hanoi
- FLC Ha Long International Convention Center
- The Grand Ho Tram Strip Resort
- Flamingo Cat Ba Resort
- New World Hoiana Beach Resort
- ASEAN MICE Venue Award – Exhibition Venue Category: 5 units
- JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel
- FLC Sam Son Beach & Golf Resort
- Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
- Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort
- Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC)
- ASEAN MICE Venue Award – Event Organization Category: 5 units
- Yên Biên Luxury
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long Hanoi
- Silk Path Grand Huế Hotel & Spa
- Selectum Noa Resort Cam Ranh
- Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City Hotel
- Sustainable rural tourism product: Traditional Northern cuisine at Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi
- Sustainable urban tourism product: Vegetarian cuisine at An Nhien Garden restaurant, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
