Focus Asia News, JULY 2007.
This edition's table of content:
The summer season is well on its way and even if the rain is pouring in the south, business is still running high for this time of the year. We regularly receive new requests from the regional markets that are less affected by the seasonal trends; and Focus Asia is investing great amount of time and money to improve the quantity and quality of the services you need most.
In June, headquarters employees travelled through the center and south of Vietnam for a thorough visit of the main sites. This trip was correlated with an inspection of hotel providers in these regions. With increased knowledge, they’ll serve you better. In addition, all our valued Saigon employees are presently following instructive and intensive courses on a bi-weekly basis in tourism, communication and English.
On July 18, our web site will be running with a new ASP.net and Content Management System (CMS) to improve maintenance and integration with our updated database system. The public section of the web site will be available in German at the same date. In early August, a complete evaluation questionnaire for all partner hotels in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar will be posted online.
In late August, we hope to have completed the strong database update needed to cope with the increasing demand. This will include the merging of all information available for each destination we provide throughout Southeast Asia within one system. We want to improve our response time and this will facilitate the tracking of your quotations and bookings.
In the meantime, we are developing and creating many new services and products for the coming season. Our goal is to have a total of 160 add-on tours (short tours) on record and some 50 to 60 complete tours available to you next season. The total number of these will be up 400% from this season! Focus Asia is defiantly trying to bring you the best.
Vietnam News:
Vietnam: News Information
The Pacific Asia Travel Association forecast a robust 7.6% average annual growth rate in foreign arrivals through 2009 for Vietnam. The Asia Travel Intentions Survey 2007 jointly conducted with Visa International shows 31% of 5000 international travelers polled from ten key travel markets said they are planning to visit Vietnam in the next two years. The proportion is seven percentage points higher then the number of international travelers opting for Vietnam in a similar survey in 2006. “Almost half of the travelers polled indicated that they saw Vietnam as an ideal destination to enjoy a low-cost vacation in a country that is beautiful and has a rich local culture,” said Stuart Tomlinson, Visa country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has submitted to the government a scheme on advertising Vietnam’s tourism on CNN, said Pham Huu Minh, Head of Tourism Promotion Department. Under this scheme, Vietnam will pay US$400,000 for a 30-second advertising clip to be broadcast for three months on the CNN news channel. The clip will be broadcast several times each day during the “golden hours” of CNN.
The US "Wall Street Journal" has carried an article entitled "Vietnam aims for image as a luxury destination", highlighting the Southeast Asian country's tourism potential. The paper quoted some international tourism officials as saying that with its powdery beaches, mountains, rare wildlife, French-inspired cuisine and world-class cultural sites, Vietnam could be the next top-drawer destination in Asia, on a par with Phuket in Thailand or the Indonesian resort island of Bali. " It's so diverse. In one destination, you can do so much ", said John Koldowski of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a regional travel-industry trade group.
TTG Asia published in its June 1 edition an interesting cover story entitled “War over Vietnam room rates”; it reflects the challenges introduced to you in our last editorial regarding the hotel shortage in the main cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The full story is available at http://www.ttgasia.com, it explains the current challenges that all inbound operators will face in the coming season.
Foreign visitors to Ho Chi Minh City surged to 1.28 million over the first half of this year, a year-on-year increase of 11.3%, according to the municipal tourism department. Topping the list of visitors was the US, up by 8% over the same period last year, Japan (up by 15%), Taiwan (up by 8%), the Republic of Korea (up by 33%), Australia (up by 37%) and China (up by 49%). Dong Thi Vui, Director of HCMC Tourism Department, said that Russia, which has not traditionally featured amongst the city's top markets, was starting to show its promise by surging by over 81% over the previous year.
HCMC will host a regional travel fair in October 2007. More than 100 exhibitors from Cambodia, Laos, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Vietnam will take part in the International Travel Expo. The event, themed “Three Countries - One Destination” will promote tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The aim is to help promote the three countries to the global market. The annual event, organized by Binet Exhibitions of Singapore, will also feature buyer-seller meetings, conferences, familiarization trips and many other activities.
Nha Trang Sea Festival is a roaring success. The recently concluded Sea Festival 2007 in Khanh Hoa Province was a huge success as occupancy rates of hotels hovered close to 100% and revenues for festival trebled (tripled) those from a similar event in 2005. The Director of the Tourism and Trade Service of the central coastal province, Tran Son Hai, said during the weeklong biennial event that ran from June 9-15, around 55,000 holidaymakers flocked to Nha Trang. Over 50 entertainment programs including a sculpture symposium, film festival, Cham pottery and textile exhibitions, a beer festival, rock and hip-hop performances, fashion shows that included models and artists from France and the Republic of Korea marked a festival that has gone from strength to strength over the last decade.
Central Thua Thien-Hue Province welcomed nearly 199,000 foreign visitors in the first four months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 35%. An increasing number of foreign travelers are arriving in caravan tours and cruisers. In mid-April alone, the Queen Elizabeth II ship carried 1,600 tourists to visit the imperial city of Hue, Danang City and Hoi An Ancient Town.
The Italian cruise liner, Costa Allegra, has anchored off Saigon Port for the first time, bringing 1,250 tourists and crewmen to Ho Chi Minh City. A new route established for the liner has it setting sail from Hong Kong to HCMC, then on to Danang before returning back to China. Most of the ship's tourists hailing from Germany, the UK and Italy are slated to visit the southern town before embarking on a tour of My Tho City in the southern province of Tien Giang. On May 16, the Costa Allegra berthed at Danang to allow its passengers to visit the world heritage sites of the Hue imperial city, the ancient town of Hoi An and the My Son Sanctuary.
Traditional Craft Festival 2007 opened in Hue City on June 8, to promote new opportunities for Hue’s moribund handicraft and fine art industry. Besides parades during the opening and closing ceremonies, the festival included other notable programs such as a jeweler and Vietnam traditional dress exhibition organized by the Vietnam Fashion Design Institute, which aimed to affirm the exquisite talents of artisans and goldsmiths.
The second Dalat Flower Festival was more eye-catching than ever this year as it included the first Miss Vietnamese Ethnic Groups beauty contest. The road to the Miss Vietnamese Ethnic Groups crown will be a long one. The beauty pageant is multi-tiered, with preliminary rounds feeding into the grand final, which will form part of the Dalat Flower Festival in December.
The northern province of Lao Cai is looking at ways to open two new trekking routes to mountain climbers eager to conquer the 3,143m Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam. The first route, which targets sightseers, is 20km long and of a sweeping gradient while the second trail is only 6km long but consists of steep rocky ascent and is suitable for adventurers and experienced climbers. The opening of the two routes is aimed at preventing and containing the damage to the mountains ecological system that is being caused by climbers inundating the mountain and surrounding areas.
Vietnam: Product Information
The Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sand Resort, one of Vietnam’s top resorts located in Hoi An, a renowned World Heritage Site, has just opened its first spa – named Scentual’s at the Golden Sands. Located in the hotel with panoramic views overlooking the beach and pool the Spa offers an assortment of packages ranging from the ‘Irresistible’ and ‘Scentual Aloe Vera’ to a multitude of massages from Balinese and Fusion to facials, body conditionings and scrubs. Prices start at US$40, making these treatments an ideal way to relax and enjoy your stay even more at this outstanding resort. The Spa is open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Life Resort group has taken over management of the year-old 38-room boutique resort Ho Tram-Osaka in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, 100 km from HCM City. This resort is located in the area that was called “Cap St Jacques” in the late 19th century. It is on the ground of gaining recognition as an interesting destination next season as the service standards of the current hotel facilities improve.
Sofitel Metropole Hanoi will change its room categories starting in October 31st, 2007.
| Till 31.10. 2007 |
Till 31.10. 2008 |
| PREMIUM ROOM |
Opera |
| DELUXE ROOM |
no more Deluxe room |
| CLASSIC ROOM |
Classic |
| |
Club Room (new from 1.11.07) |
| CLASSIC DELUXE |
Classic Deluxe |
| OPERA SUITE |
Opera Suite |
Vietnam: HOTEL OF THE MONTH
Anoasis Beach Resort is only 2 hours’ drive from Saigon; it is an oasis of charm. Once the holiday residence of Vietnam’s last emperor, it has received much praise from various books and travel publications. Anoasis Beach Resort is a 4-star resort with a unique panorama on the mountains and the sea and its 46 accommodation units are spread out on a hillside and 7 hectares of tropical trees and unspoiled vegetation with a direct access to a private beach. It is located in Long Hai, Province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, about 120km southeast of Saigon and 25km northeast of Vung Tau City. With its international golf course, it provides all the facilities expected of a resort of this standard. The resort is the ideal site to unwind at the end of a trip to Vietnam. Its charming scenery provides a sense of relaxation, privacy, security and the feeling of being at home”
Vietnam: SPECIAL DEALS
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. Exploring 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 October 7, 2007. (Suites subject to availability)
Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara Resort in Nha Trang has the following offers: pay for three nights and get one free, pay for four nights and get two free nights and so on during the months of June and July 2007 only. Code for this offer is SD21.
Evason Ana Mandara Villas in Dalat is proposing a pay for two nights and get one free, pay for three nights and get two free nights and so on during the months of June and July 2007 only. Code for this offer is SD11.
Evason Ana Mandara Villas & Six Senses Spa in Dalat offers 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 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 September 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 until 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.
Romana Resort & Spa has just introduced a new Oceania Spa based on the Orient’s way of beauty care. On this occasion, Romana Resort & Spa is offering a 20% discount for all services here.
Sunrise Beach Resort in Nha Trang (March hotel of the month) is offering travel trade special packages for 2-night stay with free dinner, room upgrade to sea view and a full day tour of Nha Trang inclusive of mud bath and local lunch. Airport transfer is also included; the offer is valid until Oct. 31, 2007.
Hoi An Hotel in Saigon is offering the following special for bookings requested from Deluxe room to higher category until September 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
Ms Vu Thi Mai Phuong
Miss Vu Thi Mai Phuong used to work with the reservations and customer service department. She’s been promoted to the sales and Marketing department of Focus Asia headquarters in May 2007 and is proving to be a valuable asset at this position too. As an enthusiastic and clever person, she always strives to be better at anything she does. Before joining us, she worked as sales executive for a local Vietnamese inbound tour operator. Her Russian and English speaking skills are excellent. She is a creative and friendly person who enjoys working with the tourism industry; it gives her opportunities to speak foreign languages while meeting international clients. Miss Phuong earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Education in Ho Chi Minh City and is currently finishing a second bachelor degree in Languages. She enjoys listening to music, playing sports and shopping. Her dream is simply to travel the world.
Vietnam: Projects under planning, construction or renovation
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 last week for the Life Wellness Resort Ninh Binh, its first project in Northern Vietnam. Located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, the resort will have village style with 30 cottages and 10 two-story stone houses. The project is capitalised at around US $3 million and scheduled to be operated in August 2008. The resort is 91km southwest 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 while the 300-room Sheraton Halong Bay resort is expected to open by 2010.
Cambodia News
Cambodia: New Information
Flight AN24 travelling from REP to KOS was missing on June 25th, 2007. The plane was carrying 21 passengers: 13 Koreans, 5 Cambodian and 3 crew members. No more information is available at the time of publishing.
Bagan Air opens flights Rangoon – Siem Reap: Air Bagan launched its first international route with a Rangoon-Bangkok flight on 15 May, 2007. Air Bagan is one of three private airlines in Myanmar. The airline began services in November 2004. The airline plans to launch three more regional routes later this year, adding Singapore on June 15, Kunming, China on August 15, and Siem Reap, Cambodia on October 27. Direct flights were agreed upon during a mission of PM Hun Sen to Myanmar in May 2007. The two countries also plan to expand the flights to Phnom Penh in the future. Air Bagan will use a Fokker 100 for flights between Yangon and Siem Reap.
Flight schedule is Yangon-Siem Reap: 10.15 - 12.35 / Siem Reap-Yangon: 13.25 - 14.45
Holland to assist in development of eco-tourism in Kratie and Steung Treng. The Cambodian Ministry of Tourism, the United National World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the SNV Netherlands Development Organization inked an agreement on May 18 to develop ecotourism in the country’s northeastern areas. The agreement, for which the WTO and SNV will offer technical assistance of more than US$700,000, is focusing on Kratie and Steung Treng provinces along the Mekong River. The projects will contribute to conserving the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin in Kratie and Steung Treng. The agreement includes projects to develop a Mekong Tourism centre and a master plan for the development of Kratie’s provincial town (Koh Santhepeap, May 19, 2007). Around 50,000 tourists, including 10,000 foreigners, visited the Mekong mammals in 2006.
Tourism figures rise in first quarter of 2007. Cambodia has seen a 20 percent increase in the number of tourist arrivals for the first four months of 2007. 710,100 visitors arrived between January and April 2007, the majority of whom were South Korean and Japanese (Cambodia Daily). Tourism Minister, Thomg Khon, said that Cambodia intends to draw two million tourists this year. In 2006 Cambodia hosted 1.7 million tourists.
Cambodia: New products Cambodia
Re-opening of Cambodia’s famous Independence Hotel in Sihanoukville. The Independence Hotel, a seven-story modernist beauty was designed by the French architects Leroy and Mondet and was one of the chicest hotels in Cambodia when it opened in 1964; locals insist that Jacqueline Kennedy, invited by King Norodom Sihanouk, was among its first guests. Abandoned during the war, it sits on a spectacular bluff overlooking Independence Beach and is getting a top-drawer, head-to-toe renovation that will make it an irresistible address for trend seekers. The hotel has now opened again and offers rooms for about US$50 up (3 stars).
The hotel lies at the northwestern end of the Independence Beach in Sihanoukville. By road, the hotel lies three hours from Phnom Penh. You’ll also find the twice a week flights between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville convenient for your trip. The Independence Hotel in Sihanoukville boasts of 52 luxurious state of the art air conditioned accommodations (superior, deluxe and suites). The hotel also offers six modern cottage style accommodations for your stay. The hotel features a stylized dining room that offers you local and international delicacies, exciting drinks etc. The hotel also has a glass-walled coffee shop perched on a tower, which offers fantastic views of the hotel’s surroundings. The hotel boasts of a luxurious spa garden that offers you massage services, complimentary access to a spa pool etc.
CAMBODIA: New Properties on Spotlight
Sokha Hotels are expending. Sokha hotels and Resorts want to invest during the coming three years US$250 million dollars in three mega hotel arrangements and residential complexes. About $100 million flow into a building project in Phnom Penh, which encloses a hotel, freehold flats, serviced apartments, residential villas and a shopping passage. The hotel should become a five-star house with a spa, five restaurants and the biggest ballroom of the capital. Another $100 million are planned for the construction of the Sokha Beach Sihanoukville Resorts which on a 23-hectare-beach area in the best known bathing resort of Cambodia. The hotel will be five-star hotel complex with 600 rooms, serviced apartments, six-star villas, an entertainment centre and a small shopping centre. The third project, likewise in Sihanoukville, becomes a 1,000 room casino hotel in the Ochheuteal Beach. It should cost $40 million and will be ready in 2010. Sokha owns the Sokha Angkor Siem Reap with 276 rooms and the Sokha Beach Sihanoukville Resort with 176 rooms.
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.