Vietnam Tops Asia, Dubai Shines In UAE As 10 Travel Hotspots in 2025
The World Travel Awards 2025 names Vietnam as Asia’s headline hotspot and Dubai as the Gulf’s star city, setting the tone for where travellers look next year. The latest global list highlights ten regional champions that stand out for service, access, and strong visitor feedback.
How The Global List Comes Together
The long-running World Travel Awards brand collects online votes from travel experts and regular tourists. People rate places based on hotels, food, transport, safety, nature, culture, and value for money.
These results create one clear snapshot of where people actually went and loved, not just where glossy ads told them to go. For many travel enthusiasts, this list acts like a ready plan for future trips.
Vietnam Named Asia’s Standout Destination
In Asia, Vietnam takes the top position for 2025. The country brings together lively cities, heritage towns, and wild scenery in one slim stretch of land. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City keep streets full of local food spots and late-night cafes. Hoi An charms visitors with riverside lights and century-old shop houses.
Along the coast, sandy bays and growing resort zones pull in both family groups and solo travellers. Inland, karst peaks, rice fields, and vast cave systems appeal to hikers and nature fans. More local operators now focus on low-waste tours and community stays, which helps Vietnam stand out as the best place to visit in Asia.
Many travellers now build full two-week or longer trips around the country.
Dubai Holds Its Crown In The Middle East
The Middle East title goes again to Dubai, which keeps adding fresh reasons to stop over or stay longer. The skyline still draws eyes, yet the city keeps spreading new culture and design hubs. The Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Creek Harbour stay on every first-time visitor’s list.
New museums, creative districts, and waterfront areas show a side of Dubai that goes beyond malls. Clean beaches, smooth airports, and a deep hotel pool help the city hold its place as a travel winner in the region. Many voters also point to strong event calendars, from sports to art fairs, when they pick their best destination.
Europe, Islands, and the Americas Join The Winners
The best destination in Europe title stays with Portugal. Lisbon and Porto draw visitors with river views, local music, and strong food scenes. The Algarve, Madeira, and the Azores add coast and hiking options, which keep repeat guests coming back.
Across the Atlantic, the United States leads North America, while Peru tops South America with its blend of Incan sites and dramatic highland views. Tanzania wins in Africa with classic safari plains and the pull of Kilimanjaro. Jamaica takes the Caribbean slot with sea, music, and strong island food.
On the water, the Maldives hold the Indian Ocean title, with overwater villas and coral-rich lagoons that appeal to honeymooners and deep-pocket luxury fans. In Oceania, Australia secures the regional spot, tying together reef zones, desert icons, and laid-back coastal cities.
Central America’s place goes to Mexico, where ancient sites, modern food capitals, and twin coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean keep visitor numbers strong.
Why These Wins Matter For Travellers
For tourism boards, these travel awards act as global badges that help them market with proof. For travellers, the 2025 World Travel Awards list offers ten ready-made ideas across continents, from city breaks to island retreats.
Each leading regional destination on the list will likely see new routes, fresh hotel openings, and sharper service in the year ahead. And that means one thing for anyone planning a trip in 2025: there has never been a better time to read the rankings, pick a corner of the map, and turn this travel news into your next real-world ticket.
