52 Destinations of the Year 2026" is an annual list published by the New York Times, based on 52 weeks of the year, with the message that each week is a journey of discovery.
This selection list is considered a global tourism trend map, and many unknown tourist destinations have been included in the list to become "new stars" of the world tourism industry.
When putting Vietnam on this year's list, the New York Times said that Vietnam is emerging as a strongly developing tourism center in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam, a rising tourism power in Southeast Asia, attracts millions of tourists every year thanks to its famous cuisine, spectacular natural landscapes - from mountains to rainforests - and a long history dating back to the 7th century BC. With large investments in tourism infrastructure expected to be deployed from 2026, Vietnam is positioning itself to welcome a strong wave of tourists," quoted by the New York Times.
The newspaper assesses that transport infrastructure, expanded high-class accommodation segments and visa exemption policies for citizens of some countries are increasingly creating more favorable conditions for international tourists to visit and experience.
Leading the list of 52 destinations for 2026 is the United States - a country that will mark its 250th birthday, with a series of commemorative events taking place across the country.
Participating in the list is Route 66 - the legendary road - also 100 years old. Along the nearly 4,000km long route, there will be car parades, classic car festivals, family activities and many other events.
Thailand's capital Bangkok is also ranked high, third in the list. The city is said to have made efforts to improve its image as one of the greenest cities in Asia.
Top 10 destinations in 2026 according to the New York Times:
1.USA 2.
Warsaw, Poland 3.
Bangkok, Thailand 4.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica 5.
Bandhavgarh, India 6.
Dallas, USA 7.
Oran, Algeria 8.
Route 66, USA 9.
Saba, Caribbean 10.
Poblenou, Barcelona
