Katien Ranger Patrol ranks among world's top 3 tourism projects

The product, developed by Katien Safari, was honoured in the Best Wider World Tourism Project category at the annual awards ceremony organised by the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW). Katien Ranger Patrol was shortlisted alongside Casa da Farinha in Brazil and the Museum of the Bamoun Kings in Cameroon, with the latter winning the category.

It marks the first time a Vietnamese tourism representative has secured a top-three ranking at the awards.

The project was nominated by British travel journalist Joshua Zukas following a field visit to Cat Tien National Park. Its approach of placing forest protection at the heart of the visitor experience helped distinguish it among entries assessed by more than 250 international travel journalists.

Designed as an immersive conservation experience lasting two to four days, Katien Ranger Patrol accommodates small groups of just four to eight visitors. Rather than following conventional sightseeing routes, participants venture into key habitats along patrol routes used by forest rangers.

Accompanied by guides and forest protection staff, participants learn to identify wildlife tracks, use optical and thermal cameras for nighttime monitoring, and help detect and remove wire and clamp traps threatening wild animals.

The itinerary also includes Bau Sau wetlands, a Ramsar site recognised in 2005 and home to nearly 700 Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis), as well as visits to the park's wildlife rescue centre and natural history museum.

Part of the revenue from each tour is reinvested in forest patrols and conservation monitoring equipment. The presence of small visitor groups along authorised routes also helps rangers detect signs of illegal intrusion and wildlife trapping.

The project also involves Ma and S'tieng ethnic groups in the Ta Lai buffer zone, where local residents have shifted from hunting and trapping to working as guides, porters, logistics assistants and forest-trap monitors.

These jobs provide monthly incomes of VND4 million to VND8 million per worker, helping reduce pressure on forest resources. Local cultural traditions, including brocade weaving, longhouse architecture, gong performances and traditional cuisine, are also incorporated into the experience.

The project receives support from the Oxalis Foundation, which provides free English classes for local children and residents.

The award adds to Cat Tien National Park’s international recognition, following its designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and inclusion on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List and four awards from the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).

It highlights the potential of responsible tourism to turn visitor experiences and community participation into practical resources for nature conservation.

Vietnam takes leading tourism honours at World Travel Awards 2026

VOV.VN - Vietnam has earned major honours at the World Travel Awards 2026 in the Maldives, with the country named Asia’s Leading Destination and Asia’s Leading Heritage Destination, alongside awards for destinations, airlines, tourism services and hospitality brands.