Focus Asia News, August 2007.
This edition's table of content:
More and more international tourists plan to visit Vietnam during the next two years, according to a survey of travel trends in Asia made by Visa International Asia Pacific and the Pacific Asia Travel Association. Over half of the survey’s respondents say they want to visit Vietnam because, compared to other destinations in the region, it has beautiful scenery and a rich culture at a reasonable cost.
Though industry leaders welcome the findings, they are embarrassed by one weak point in the industry, the shortage of accommodation, especially luxury rooms. As a result, room prices soar during the peak season, stopping some tourists from following their dream. Hanoi has only eight five-star hotels and Ho Chi Minh 11 luxury hotels. The occupancy of these hotels is very high, averaging 90% year round!
The room shortage is a cause for concern, as it may mean the country will fail to reach the target of 4.4 million international visitors this year. The number of tourists to Vietnam has increased by an average of 30% annually, but the increase in hotel rooms has failed to meet the market demand. To meet the high room demand, many local and foreign investors are either constructing or eager to start building new hotels in the two main cities and elsewhere.
This is demonstrated with implantation of 3 new hotels just for the Intercontinental Hotel chain before 2009. Many other are following the trend. In Hanoi, the many ongoing projects lead us to believe that within two to three years this shortage situation may be resolved. An up-scale hotel with more then 500 rooms is due to be finished before the year end.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Rex Hotel, the Majestic and the Sheraton extensions have begun and due to be completed before Christmas this year. The City Hall has freed 21 key land areas in the city for the construction of hotels. Unfortunately, most negotiation between investors and the local government are still ongoing. District 1 located in the heart of the city has little open space left for construction and the newly build district 7 and 2 should be the place to go to in the future.
Vietnam News:
Vietnam: News Information
The number of Russian visitors to Vietnam surpassed 25,000 in the first half of this year, a 65% year-on-year rise, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Spending by each Russian visitor in Vietnam, excluding the cost of tours, averaged USD 610, close to 40% higher than the average, according to a survey by the General Statistics Office. Most Russian visitors still chose sea resorts for their holidays in Vietnam.
The US-based Travel & Leisure magazine has announced the list of the 50 best hotels in Asia, including two in Vietnam: Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City and Sofitel Metropole in Hanoi. This magazine’s readers also voted for ten best cities for travel in the world this year. This selection was conducted based on the evaluation of consumers of entertainment centers, landscapes, people and the currencies used in those cities. The ten best cities for traveling were Florence, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Rome, Sydney, New York, Udaipur, Istanbul, San Francisco and Cape Town.
Danang City has welcomed 557,400 tourists so far this year, an increase of 34.7% compared with the same period last year. Achieving nearly double the target growth rate which stands at 17.6%, these are encouraging statistics, says director of Danang Department of Tourism. The number of foreign tourists is up by 23% and domestic travelers increased by 39.4%. The number of travelers by land and sea also increased sharply. The city received 38 cruises in the last six months, which brought about 17,000 visitors, again, double last year’s number. The increase in the number of tourists has helped Danang increase turnover to VND 298 billion (USD 18.62 million), fulfilling 59% of its annual plan. Danang hopes to receive 332,600 tourists in the remaining months this year, including 143,000 foreign tourists. Chairman of Danang People’s Committee Tran Van Minh said the city would enhance support for tourism companies to effectively carry out the development plan from 2007 to 2010 and achieve tourism targets by disseminating information and raising the quality of tour guides.
In Hoi An’s city streets, electric bicycles, motorbikes and all means of motorized transport will not be allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 11am, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and 7pm to 9pm, according to Mr. Truong Van Bay, deputy chairman of the People’s Committee of Hoi An. People must leave their means of transport at parking lots outside the town before entering. The walking town is only for pedestrians, wheelchairs and other means of motorless transport. The local authorities hope to bring quiet and a comfortable atmosphere to visitors as well as to preserve the ancient architecture of the town. The walking town is expected to be a popular feature of Hoi An. It reflects not only the architecture, but is also related to urban society and culture, trade development and tourism in the town.
Viet Nam received 2.46 million foreign holidaymakers over the past seven months, a year-on-year increase of 16.2 percent, the General Statistics Office (GSO) has said in its July report. In July alone, 343,000 international tourists arrived in the country, representing an annual rise of 2.4 percent. Visitors from Italy increased 65.4 percent; Russia, 64.9 percent; Malaysia, 61.8 percent; and New Zealand, 40.2 percent. According to the GSO, the number of holidaymakers from Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, Australia and Canada were stable in the last 7 months while there were fewer visitors from China, Laos and Cambodia. Room occupancy rates at major tourism areas reached over 80 percent, even 100 percent in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang.
Inter Continental Hotels Group is on the move in Vietnam. The renowned international chain will manage three properties by mid-2009. The first hotel opening is the Hanoi Westlake property, which is due to open at the end of this year. Secondly, the Ho Chi Minh Inter Continental is scheduled to open in 2009. The last programmed facility is a 200-room beachfront resort in Danang that is due to open in mid-2009.
Vietnam: Product Information
At Victoria Can Tho Resort, the Lady Hau Boat will undergo maintenance from Sept. 1 to Sept. 10, 2007. The Lady Hau breakfast cruise resumes on September 11, 2007.
Vietnam: HOTEL OF THE MONTH
The five-star Sofitel VinPearl Resort & Spa is located on an island near Nha Trang, at the south end of famed central coast of Viet Nam. It is renowned as a tropical paradise and a retreat for sun lovers. The resort has the largest swimming pool in Southeast Asia (5000m-square), an exclusive 700 meters of white sandy beach, elite spa services; restaurants and a new amusement park. This exceptional resort is often called the pearl of Vietnam. To access the resort you will board the longest cable car across the ocean measuring 3.3 kilometers while overseeing the superb Nha Trang bay. Once at the Resort, you can enjoy the newly built VinPearl Land Water Park that was officially launched earlier this month. The park is divided into three leisure areas; for families, for children and for guests in favor of thrill games. These games include high-sloping water slides at a height of 21.5 meters and a 56 meter long horror cave that can satisfy young people’s passion to explore. A special feature of the Water Park is that it has a coastline of 450 meters for tourists to enjoy swimming in the sky-blue sea and to walk barefoot in the white sand while enjoying a breath of fresh air. The resort is about to open with an additional five-storey building consisting of 255 in-style rooms and suites. The rooms feature intricate contemporary designs and exquisite wooden furniture with breathtaking views of the far horizon from the private balconies. Adorned with museum-caliber art pieces, earthy spa sanctuary, comprehensive MICE facilities and the finest cuisine around the world, Sofitel VinPearl Resort & Spa is the ideal choice for holiday seekers, corporate travelers and destination management companies.
Vietnam: SPECIAL DEALS
Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa is offering a special valid until the end of September 2007 with a bonus night for any booking of 2 consecutive nights; if you stay 6 nights you pay for 4, stay 9 nights pay for 6… Booking code is "Summer Bud Promotion" or "Value Added Promotion".
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang (ENH) is offering a stay min. 4 nights, pay 3 nights only that is valid until the end of October 2007. Booking code is: SD31
Evason Ana Mandara Villas Dalat (EDR) is offering a Stay min. 2 nights, pay 1 night only valid until the end of October 2007. So it would be 2+1, 3+2 etc. Booking code is: SD11
La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue is offering Honeymooners Extraordinary Package for divine couple. The offer includes free roundtrip airport transfer, welcome drink, and aficionado fruit basket, a bottle of bubbly served in the honeymooner room, in the Jacuzzi or before dinner. Three course lovers’ European or Vietnamese Gourmet dinner by the riverside or in Le Perfume Restaurant, American breakfast buffet and complimentary Internet and WIFI are included. Explore Hue by bicycle is complimentary. Terms and conditions apply.
Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort & Spa in Hoi An is offering attractive Summer Suite Promotion with a minimum stay of seven nights. This offer is valid until the 7th of October 2007. (Suites subject to availability)
Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Six Senses Spa in Dalat offer a special program valid until Oct. 31 2007, excluding national holidays. Travelers are being offered special rates for a Run of House (ROH) room with a minimum of 2-night stay in single; double or twin shared bedroom only. Bonuses include 1 Free of Charge (FOC) dinner for a minimum stay of 2 nights; stay 3 nights and pay for 2.5 nights with 1 FOC dinner; stay 4 nights and pay for 3 nights with 1 FOC dinner.
Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa is launching a special Summer campaign named "Golden Chance" at an incredible rate 50% discount. Make a booking right now to get their extra offer with a sunset boat trip with a stay of three consecutive nights. Please consult our agents for more information. Certain terms and conditions apply. This offer is valid until the Sept. 30, 2007.
La Veranda Resort & Spa in Phu Quoc (hotel of the month) is offering special summer package for FIT bookings: stay of five consecutive nights and pay for only four nights. This offer is valid from May 10 to September 30, 2007, in the Deluxe category. Additional benefits include round-trip airport transfer, free wi-fi, welcome drinks and canapé upon arrival, and welcome fruit platter in the room. Booking code is SM5 and this offer can be coupled with our tour named "Southern Pearl".
The Nam Hai Hoi An is offering specials for summer 2007 valid until August 30. It includes a 5-night stay to get a free upgrade to the pool villa or a 7-day stay to get an upgrade to the pool villa plus the last night for free. These packages include two ways to transfer to the airport, free laundry services, free beverages in the pool villa, free limousine to the local areas, personal butler and daily breakfast. Upgrade is subject to availability at the time of reservation.
Hoi An Hotel in Saigon is offering the following special for bookings requested from Deluxe room to higher category until Sept. 30, 2007. Stay 4 consecutive nights and book 1 meal (compulsory, min. US$7 per pax) pay 3 nights only. Stay 3 consecutive nights and get 1 free lunch or dinner (excluding drink).
Palace Hotel Saigon is offering special rates for FIT and GIT in its Superior and Deluxe room categories. All rooms have been renovated. The offer is valid until December 31, 2007.
Vietnam: EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Mrs. Minh Khiem
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Minh Khiem has been working with us for a long time. She is a capable, responsible and honest accountant handling our department in Saigon. She is not afraid to work overtime when needed and is one of the most trusted Saigon employees. She was born in 1979 and, if you ever meet her, you’ll discover that she is kind, joyful and respectful. She is the mother of Ben; a lovely and healthy baby boy aged three. In June this year, she traveled with other staff to many new places in Vietnam and enjoyed it very much. She loves learning and speaks English quite well. Her dream is to earn enough money to travel the world while taking care of her baby and parents.
Vietnam: New Employee
Mr. Ngo
MR. NGUYEN TUONG MANH NGO is the Executive Assistant to the International Sales & Marketing Director in Saigon. He is born in March 1971 and has visited most travel destinations in the Vietnam and in the region. He speaks English fluently and has been a manager in tourism industry for more than ten years. He is enthusiastic and loves to meet new people and his dream is to visit all interesting destinations of the world. Mr. Ngo is married and has a son, Nguyen Tran Manh Tung. During free time, he enjoys reading and swimming.
Projects under planning, construction or renovation
The Hanoi Crown Plaza broke ground on July 28 in the Vietnamese capital city; it is the newest addition to the city's luxury hotel club. The 65 million USD five-star hotel, commercial space and apartment complex in Tu Liem district includes a 21-storey, 363-room hotel. The Crown Plaza, will also feature a 20-storey office block and a 14-storey residential tower is expected to be completed by December 2009.
Construction of the luxurious Novotel Imperial Hoi An Resort began on July 11 in Hoi An. The four-star resort is to be built by the local contractor, the Supporting Services and Investment Development Joint Stock Company, at a cost of 300 billion VND (18.75 million USD) and will be housed on a 4.3-hectare block complete with 200 rooms and villas, restaurants, bars, tennis courses and swimming pools. Work is scheduled to be completed by late 2008 and will then be turned over to world leading hotel group Accor for management duties.
Work began on a five-star hotel with twin-tower worth 80 million USD in Ha Noi on June 30. The hotel, to be operated by the Charmvit group from the Republic of Korea, is located close to the National Convention Centre and a number of new residential developments. It will include two 27-storey twin towers with total floor space of over 150,000 sq.m, housing a conference hall, shops, a swimming pool and restaurants from the first to fourth floors. The hotel will occupy the 5th to 27th floors and will have 630 rooms and a complex of offices for lease. The project, one of four five-star hotels to be built in Ha Noi this year, is expected to be completed by July 2009.
Two eco-tourist sites will be built in the central province of Quang Ngai with a total investment of more than 100 billion VND. The 400-hectare Suoi Mo, a 74-billion-VND investment of the Thien Tan Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, will be home to springs, lakes, hills, a wildlife reserve and forests. The other site will be built on the Ngang Mountain Lake in Ba To district with an estimated investment of more than 30 billion VND from the Thien Dang Company Ltd. The two sites are expected to help promote the province’s tourism by providing services to thousands of expatriates working at the Dung Quat Oil Refinery as well as local and foreign visitors.
The five-star Sheraton Saigon in downtown HCM City will increase the number of rooms to meet the growing demand of the market. The conversion plan of its second tower, which used to be apartment rental, is based on the forecasts for stronger hotel business growth in the immediate future and the increased demand for upscale accommodation in HCM City and Vietnam. When the conversion plan is completed by early next year, Sheraton will have 480 rooms, including a new presidential suite on the 18th floor.
Life Resort Management Co. broke ground for the Life Wellness Resort Ninh Binh, its first project in northern Vietnam, last week. Located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, the resort will have village style with 30 cottages and 10 two-storey stone houses. The project is capitalised at around US$ 3 million and scheduled to be operated in August 2008. The resort is 91km south-west of Hanoi.
The airport terminal of Cam Ranh Airport will be rebuilt after the Ministry of Communication and Transport gives local airport authorities the go-ahead. Cam Ranh handles 12 flights daily but cannot operate at night as it lacks lighting systems.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has reached an agreement with Royal International to develop a hotel and a resort in Halong bay. The 160-room Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is expected to open early 2008 with four restaurants and a lounge, two meeting rooms, a gym, a spa, indoor swimming pool and other facilities. The 300-room Sheraton Halong Bay resort is expected to open by 2010.
Cambodia News
Cambodia: News Information
Cambodia and Myanmar strengthening tourism cooperation. Myanmar and Cambodia have agreed to launch direct flights between Bagan and Siem Reap, and Mandalay and Siem Reap, during a visit of Prime Minister Hun Sen to Myanmar in June 2007. In October 2006 three agreements on tourism cooperation, air services and the establishment of sister cities between Siem Reap and Bagan had already been signed.
PMT Air crash: A Russian made Antonov AN-24 carrying 13 South Koreans and three Czechs, an Uzbek co-pilot and five Cambodian crew members died when a PMT flight crashed into a mountain in the Bokor region in Kampot province. The plane was on a regular flight between the Siem Reap international airport and Keng Kang airport in Sihanoukville, which had re-opened on 19 January 2007. The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, said during a press conference on 27 June that stormy whether had caused the crash (Rasmei Kampuchea). According to South Korea’s ambassador, Shin Hyun Suk (Korean newspaper Chosun Ubo), the plane was forced to divert from its original course, taking a westerly route around Bokor Mountain due to heavy rain. He said: “As the pilot was not used to the steep mountainous terrain, the airplane crashed into the 800-meter foot mountain.” The South Korean Embassy reported, that the pilot had asked Sihanoukville Airport control tower for permission to land five minutes before the crash, but was warned ‘You are flying too low’, reportedly the pilot ignored the warning saying ‘I know this terrain well’, radio contact was lost immediately afterwards. PMT Air is still allowed to fly, but all flights between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville have been temporarily suspended.
Progress Multitrade (PMT Air) is operating flights from Siem Reap to South Korean cities Seoul and Pusan, to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The government announced that it will introduce a safer route between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville to reduce the possibility of air crashes. Future flights will avoid mountainous areas, but the detour will mean flights last twice as long. The new route will take an hour and half while the old route was just 45 minutes.
Southern China Airlines opens a new flight to Siem Reap. On 12 July China’s biggest airline opened direct flights from Guangzhou to Siem Reap. The airline already operates direct flights from Guangzhou to Phnom Penh.
Number of foreign visitors can reach 2 million in 2007. During a workshop on 20 July 2007 the Ministry of Tourism announced that in the first six months of this year Cambodia has received 975,349 foreign visitors, an increase of 19.91 percent compared with last year (Koh Santhepheap). 51% of the visitors came to Siem Reap. Most of the visitors were from South Korea (285,353), Japan (158,353) the United States, Vietnam and China. With this figure as a base, the number of tourists by the end of 2007 could reach 2 million. Last year 1.7 million foreign tourists visited Cambodia.
Cambodia: Product Information
Saudi investor took over Raffles hotels in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), owned by Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has bought Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap. KHI will keep the names of the hotels. Both hotels have a history of serving foreign and domestic visitors over almost 80 years.
CAMBODIA: Hotels of the month
Hotel Cambodiana in Phnom Penh amidst a land of gentle people, culinary delights, stunning architecture, exotic traditional dances and centuries of history. The Hotel Cambodiana is the only luxury hotel right on the banks of the Mekong River. Only minutes away from the most exciting attractions in Phnom Penh with the recently renovated lobby, banquet areas, restaurant and bars. Equipped with either one king-size bed or twin queen-size beds, each of its 180 spacious (35.6m2) deluxe rooms has IDD, a safety box, an elegant writing desk and an en suite bathroom. The newly re-designed swimming pool affords great views of the river.
Le Meridian in Siem Reap. The closest hotel to the legendary temples of Angkor Wat, Le Méridien Angkor tempts guests to discover the preserved sites of ancient Cambodia. A welcoming retreat after a day of exploration, the hotel provides a pleasing synthesis of Khmer architecture and contemporary design. The hotel features 223 rooms including 110 Superior rooms measure 36 square meters. The 104 deluxe rooms afford garden views and offer 38 square meters of space, sumptuously appointed. These rooms offer DVD players, pillow-top mattress, aromatherapy oil, and access to Naga Lounge for complimentary tea and coffee together with an international newspaper selection. Eight corner suites, have a generous 76 square meters of space and offer a separate bedroom and living rooms with garden views. One rollaway bed can be accommodated, making these suites ideal for families. Interconnecting rooms, as well as non-smoking rooms, are available. The Grande Suite offers 161 square meters of living space, comprised of one bedroom with a marble bathroom, and separate living and dining rooms. Furnishings and décor are contemporary chic highlighted with subtle Khmer design motifs to give a pleasant sense of individuality. Grand Suite guests also enjoy Naga Lounge benefits and privileges. The aquamarine waters of our Khmer-designed swimming pool or chic elegance of your guest room decorated with Khmer touches are wonderful places to relax. Alternatively, our professional staff stands ready to pamper you with a traditional therapeutic Khmer massage at Le Méridien Angkor Spa. Delicious gastronomy is elegantly presented at each of our dining venues. Offering the finest wines in the city of Angkor, L’Angelo restaurant serves savory northern Italian cuisine with a uniquely Asian flair. Le Méridien Angkor offers unparalleled relaxation, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories.
Cambodia: Specials Deals
Angkor Village Resort 3 nights summer package. The hotel is offering a discount for guests staying at least 3 nights between April 15 and October 15, 2007.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers special high-season group packages. The promotional rates are valid from October 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 (blackout dates: December 20, 2007 to January 20, 2008) under the following terms and conditions: minimum 2 nights stay; minimum 20 rooms are required to qualify for the group rates; 1 compulsory lunch at the hotel; One complimentary room will be granted for every 12 paying rooms; The offer is applicable for state rooms only. The above group rates are applicable for new bookings received after April 30, 2007.
New products Cambodia
Phnom Penh Municipality to create Night City. The Phnom Penh Municipality plans to create a Night City to promote Cambodian tradition, culture and local products. On 17 July officials from government institutions have discussed three locations. The first area is located along the Tonle Sap river, starting from the Old Market to the northern entrance of the Royal Palace. The second is from the former National Assembly building (near the Royal Palace), while the last is located around the Central Market. The Night City will be opened from 6 pm to mid-night. The products will include local handicrafts, food and beverages.
Projects under construction and renovation
Trans-Asia railway to link Cambodia with Vietnam and Thailand. Vietnam will build two rail routes to Laos and Cambodia as a part of the Trans-Asia railway project (Saigon Liberation, 25 June 2007). The construction will cost US$525 million and includes a railway link between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. The two routes will be a part of the 5,500-km Trans-Asia railway, which begins in Chinese Yunnan and travels through Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. The two missing links between Vietnam and Cambodia include a 225-kilometer section between Phnom Penh and Loc Ninh, a border town straddling Cambodia and Vietnam, and 145 kilometres of railways between Loc Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City.
Cambodia is also working to complete the missing link between Poipet (Cambodian – Thai border) and Sisophon to connect Cambodia with Thailand, using the rail tracks donated by Malaysia. The ADB (Asian Development Bank) is financing the construction work. Once the construction of the link is completed, it will enable the movement of trains from Singapore to Phnom Penh. Royal Railways is expected to complete the rail link between Poipet and Sisophon by the end of this year or early 2008.