Travellive Unveils HOTLIST 2025: Celebrating Vietnam’s Tourism Achievements

Travellive Media Group has announced the launch of HOTLIST 2025, a project that recognizes exceptional brands, destinations, and individuals significantly impacting Vietnam’s tourism sector. This curated list aims to celebrate achievements over the past year, reflecting the evolving values of the industry.

The HOTLIST serves as an expert-curated compilation, shaped by a distinguished advisory council comprising both domestic and international specialists. Selection criteria focus on quality, innovation, social impact, and sustainable growth potential. Last year, HOTLIST 2024 recognized over 40 brands and 12 individuals across 28 categories, establishing itself as a vital resource in the tourism and hospitality community.

From Seed to Harvest: A New Theme for 2025

Entering 2025, HOTLIST adopts the theme “From Seed to Harvest,” inspired by rice, a cornerstone of Vietnam’s agricultural and cultural heritage. This metaphor highlights the journey from nurturing ideas to realizing sustainable achievements, mirroring the development processes in the tourism and hospitality industries.

As the sector grapples with challenges such as climate change and evolving traveler preferences, the spirit of “From Seed to Harvest” emphasizes resilience, long-term vision, and adaptability. This year, for the first time, HOTLIST introduces a public voting component during the final evaluation stage, allowing industry professionals and community members to directly engage in the selection process. This initiative encourages audiences to share their experiences with the nominated brands and projects.

Expanded Categories and Notable Honourees

HOTLIST 2025 broadens its reach across key tourism sectors, featuring seven main categories: Hospitality, Aviation, Travel Design & Experiences, Destination, Technology & Innovations, Sustainability, and Community Projects & Voices. Each category aims to highlight exemplary individuals and brands shaping Vietnam’s tourism future.

This year’s list continues to honor prominent names such as Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai and Topas Ecolodge, while also introducing international players like voco Quang Binh Resort by IHG and Park Hyatt Phu Quoc. In the Aviation category, STARLUX AIRLINES stands out for its premium flight experience. The expanded categories reflect HOTLIST’s commitment to capturing the dynamic nature of the industry and promoting responsible development that respects local identities while fostering social good.

To further support the tourism industry, HOTLIST 2025 will host The Insiders Forum on January 7, 2026, in Hanoi and again on January 19, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City. The forums will gather industry leaders, experts, and researchers to share insights on pivotal topics influencing the tourism landscape.

The Honor Ceremony, taking place on January 19, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, will officially recognize and present certificates to the brands, projects, and individuals featured in HOTLIST 2025. The event aims to function as a B2B networking platform for stakeholders, further fostering collaboration within the industry.

Through each edition, HOTLIST Travellive Editor’s Pick has established itself as a highly anticipated annual reference for the tourism community, grounded in credibility and a commitment to sustainability. As it continues to recognize excellence and facilitate dialogue, Travellive actively promotes elevated standards within the tourism sector.

This year, HOTLIST 2025 is supported by The Brand Promise as a co-organizer of The Insiders Forum, with PR Newswire serving as the media partner. Sponsoring brands include BMWines, Lady Trieu (offering drink experiences), and Cocoon, Jourdeness (providing gifts). The initiative aims to amplify meaningful narratives, connect outstanding individuals and organizations, and share positive values with the broader public.