Cua Lo receives the ASEAN Clean Tourism City Award 2026.
On January 30th, at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2026) held in Cebu City (Philippines), Cua Lo Beach in Nghe An province was officially honored as an ASEAN Clean Tourism City.
The ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026 will be held within the framework of the ASEAN Tourism Forum - ATF 2026 in the Philippines from January 27 to 30, 2026.
This is an important event that contributes to promoting the national tourism brand and image, as well as creating opportunities to promote and enhance international integration for Vietnamese tourism service businesses.
This prestigious ASEAN award contributes to honoring and developing local tourism brands, thereby enhancing the status, image, and brand value of tourism cities in the region and internationally.
The award also serves as an effective promotional channel, motivating localities and businesses to continue improving the quality of tourism products and services, boosting destination promotion and advertising, and contributing to spreading and strengthening the national tourism brand "Vietnam Timeless Charm".
Cua Lo (Nghe An) is considered by the United Nations Tourism Organization to be one of the most ideal beaches in Vietnam: With a length of over 10 km, bordered by two rivers at both ends, a gentle slope, clear blue water, moderate waves, and suitable salinity, these are characteristics that not every beach possesses.
Cua Lo has a fairly developed infrastructure system. Its transportation system is quite comprehensive and modern, connecting it to national and international transportation networks via road, air, and water.
In 2014, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Cua Lo town (now Cua Lo Ward) was honored to receive Decision No. 2355/QD-TTg dated December 25, 2014 from the Prime Minister recognizing it as a coastal tourism town - this was the first coastal tourism town to be recognized in the country.
In addition, two cities representing Vietnam were awarded the ASEAN Clean Tourism City Award 2026, including: Hoa Lu Tourism City, Ninh Binh province; and Quy Nhon Tourism City, Gia Lai province.
The Nghe An delegation participating in the awards ceremony and several activities at the Travex Fair and the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 included Mr. Tran Xuan Cuong – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and Mr. Phung Duc Nhan - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Lo Ward.
Photo: Hoang Duc Chung
The recognition of Cua Lo Beach at the regional level not only contributes to enhancing the position and image of Nghe An tourism on the ASEAN tourism map, but also affirms the correct direction of the locality in developing sustainable tourism, linking economic growth with environmental protection and preserving cultural identity.
In recent years, Cua Lo has focused on implementing comprehensive solutions to improve urban infrastructure, protect the marine environment, enhance the quality of tourism services, and build an image of a safe and friendly destination. Activities such as waste collection, beach management, and awareness campaigns for the community and tourists are regularly carried out, contributing to the creation of a green, clean, and beautiful beach that meets the increasingly high demands of domestic and international tourists.
The ASEAN Tourism Award 2026 is an important impetus for Cua Lo to continue improving its infrastructure, diversifying tourism products, boosting promotion and advertising of the destination, and creating a solid foundation for the strong and sustainable development of tourism in Nghe An in the future.
