This marks the first time the karst plateau has been named in a world-class cultural category, affirming its standing and appeal, stemming from local efforts to preserve its heritage values.

Spring on Dong Van Karst Plateau. Photo: Chu Viet Bac

Phan Huy Ngoc, Chairman of the Ha Giang Provincial People's Committee, stated at the ceremony that the title is not only a source of pride for Ha Giang but also global recognition of its efforts to preserve and promote heritage values. This serves as a significant impetus for Ha Giang to continue pursuing its goal of developing tourism into a key economic sector in the coming years.

Recognized by UNESCO in 2010, Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark preserves over 550 million years of Earth's evolutionary history. It encompasses diverse geological, cultural, and community life values.

The karst system, paleontological sites, caves, fossils, and sedimentary layers, accumulated over hundreds of millions of years, form a rare 'open-air geological museum' globally.

Beyond its geological wonders, Dong Van is a cultural space where 17 ethnic groups coexist, creating a multi-layered system of cultural values. Indigenous architecture, rituals, folk knowledge, music, languages, and traditional crafts form the distinctive cultural features of each community.

A representative from Ha Giang (right) receives the WTA award. Photo: Organizers

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the global tourism industry. Over three decades, WTA has become a benchmark for the reputation, service quality, and appeal of destinations on the world tourism map.

Tam Anh