Focus Asia News, June 2007.
This edition's table of content:
Since Vietnam’s ascension to the World Trade Organisation on January 7, 2007, the country is booming economically with record growth. The rolling tourism demand is creating steep challenges for the industry. Tour operators’ activities are increasing nationwide both for outbound and inbound operations. As a result, the air transport sector is opening up to new players who are initiating more frequent routes to existing destination and new ones when possible.
Overall, infrastructure projects are on the rise all over the country. Among 31 key transport infrastructure projects already assigned by the prime minister, three mammoth projects are most useful to the tourism industry: the North-South Expressway, the Hanoi-HCM City Express railway and the Long Thanh International Airport near HCM. The plan is to have many new hotels, roads, highways and airports created nationwide to sustain the growth. Unfortunately, most developments are still far from being effectively completed or even started. Nevertheless, Ho Chi Minh City’s new International Airport is due to open before the year end.
Among all the issues related to the development of tourism in Vietnam, the hotel sector is the most problematic issue in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi. Elsewhere, demand and prices are still rising but at a pace that is quite normal in this type of market. For the economic and political capitals, business and leisure travel demand is so high that most upscale hotels (4 to 5 stars) are running short of rooms on a yearly basis. As a result, hotels prices in this category have risen to levels that were simply unimaginable last year. What used to be a low season is no more and the better hotels are often fully booked up to six month in advance!
To cope with these important challenges, Focus Asia is planning to reorganize its services and tours for the international market with weekend or shorter stays in the two main cities. It is as an opportunity for travellers to spend more time at destinations that have more character and style, while remaining price competitive. We plan to introduce new programs to suit those interests. These new attractive products should be available to you before the new season begins. In the meantime be reassured; we still deliver the best services possible at the most competitive price.
Vietnam News:
Vietnam: News Information
Focus Asia Headquarter in Saigon held its first Partner cocktail party at La Habana Café & Restaurant on May the 14th 2007. The party was a success with 52 partner hotels taking part. Our guess enjoyed free drinks, live music, tapas and a warn atmosphere in this Cuban style venue.
The service industry is a growing and significant business sector in Vietnam. According to the General Statistics Office, the Tourism Sector without air transportation represented some 56% of the total revenues generated by service exports in Vietnam for 2006.
The HCM City Tourism Association will petition the government to allow foreign companies and foreigners working in foreign invested companies to join the association for the development of tourism. The chairman, Mr Nguyen Huu Tho said, " want local and foreign companies to work together for the exchange of experience and in organizing joint promotion programs."
Malaysia Airlines Assistant Director, Mr Yazid Mohamed, said on the sidelines of Global Meet Malaysia 2007 that “there’s no doubt that we are probably looking at increasing our flight frequency and capacity” to Vietnam. He added that they look to further capitalize on the burgeoning aviation market of Vietnam, which he described as increasingly important to the carrier.
Vietnam Airlines has recently increased the frequency of flights from Hanoi and HCM City to Da Lat, offering two new flights from HCM City and three from Hanoi. The company has increased the number of international flights from Hanoi to Busan in Japan, Luang Prabang in Laos, and Siem Reap in Cambodia; it is also planning more direct flights to the U.S. this year. Furthermore, Vietnam Airlines now offers special meals for those with dietary restrictions, vegetarians and specific religious needs.
Vietnam Airlines and PetroVietnam last week signed a deal on cooperation in establishing an air taxi service company. The company will use small aircraft and helicopters to serve corporate clients and businesspeople.
Conde Nast Traveler, one of the world’s most prestigious travel magazines has added La Residence Hotel and Spa in Hue to its 2007 Hot List and celebrates the spa at the hotel as one of its Hot Spas for 2007. Carmen Marienberg, general manager said, "we’ve known La Residence was one of the most distinctive properties and now the rest of the world knows too."
The Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers has received from the HCM City People’s Committee for its past achievement in 2006 two awards: one for its general manager Kim Powley and the other award for the hotel for achievements in business, social and community care.
Bamboo Village received many quality management medals. It won in 2006 the Award of Prestige Trademark (Hanoi-Vietnam) and the Global Quality Management Medal. In 2007, they won the International Tourism Trophy (Madrid-Spain).
Caravelle Hotel has appointed John Gardner as its new general manager. Mr Gardner is a native of New Zealand who has managed numerous upscale hotels in the greater Asia Pacific region. Before coming to Vietnam he was in China for six years and he feels that HCM is truly a great atmospheric city.
Victoria Hotels & Resorts has announced several key transfers and appointments. Mr. Raphael Guillien has been transferred to the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa in Siem Reap. Mr Hanno Stamm takes his place as general manager in Phan Thiet. Frenchman Mr. Francois Foulon is new sales manager at Victoria Head Office.
The Hilton Ha Noi Opera Hotel has a new general manager, Mr Mark Deere. He is replacing Jerome Auvity. Deere comes from a Hilton Hotel in Dubai, where he worked for three years. He has also worked in many positions at Hilton hotels in Europe and Asia.
Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa has been presented with an “International Star of Leadership 2007” award. They were selected by the Moscow International Quality Convention on the basis of the QC100 criteria, a total quality management model implemented in more then 100 countries.
The two-star Grand Hotel and the three-star Palace Hotel became one single four-star hotel named the Grand Palace hotel. It is the first one of this standard in the southern resort of Vung Tau.
Vietnam: Product Information
The 5-Star express train has added one more stop to the HCM City – Nha Trang railway route. The luxury train will now stop at Muong Man Station about 12 km from Phan Thiet in addition to the current in HCM City, Thap Cham and Nha Trang.
United Airlines launched electronic ticketing on June 1 for its current flights from HCM City to San Francisco and Chicago via Hong Kong. The airline is also launching daily direct passenger and cargo service between HCM City and Los Angeles via Hong Kong from October 29.
Asiana Airlines has recently launched return services from HCM City to Busan, Korea.
Hong Kong Airlines has begun its daily service between Ha Noi and Hong Kong. As scheduled, the airline runs seven weekly flights departing from Hong Kong at 5:55 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays and at 9:15 p.m. on Sundays and from Hanoi at 8:55 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively. The other carriers that have regular flights to Hong Kong are Vietnam Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
Emeraude Classic Cruises is on maintenance from June 7 to 30, 2007. The boat is undergoing dry docking to ensure passengers and crew members a safe journey for the coming year. In April, Emeraude Classic Cruises started projecting the epic French film, Indochine, onto a 2.1m x 2.1m (6.5-feet-square) screen as evening entertainment for passengers. Indochine, the dramatic story of two women set against the waning days of French colonialism in Vietnam, was the natural choice since portions of the movie were filmed in Ha Long Bay. One more boat is added to the ship. Each can carry up to 20 guests at same time.
Vietnam: HOTEL OF THE MONTH
Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, built in colonial style with low-rise French architectural design, blends perfectly with its natural surroundings. The hotel is located right on the banks of the Bassac River crossing and is an ideal base for exploring the fascinating Chau Doc region. The hotel features 92 wood-floored rooms, including four junior suites, most offering spectacular views of the river. Each room combines the elegance of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and colonial old world charm. The Bassac Restaurant sits right on the banks of the Bassac River with its magical views, particularly at sunrise. Specialties include European and Vietnamese cuisine and barbecues on its riverbank terrace. The Tan Chau Salon bar offers fresh drinks, cocktails and Western and Asian snacks, the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Chau Doc. The bar also offers service to the swimming pool area.
The Vinh Te Spa, located on the rooftop terrace of the hotel, offers five massage beds in perfect tranquillity and beautiful panoramic views over the Bassac River. The skillful massage therapists have been trained by international spa managers. Vinh Te Spa offers a wide selection of massage oils to choose from including: Frangipani, Lavender, Citronella, Lemongrass and Jasmine. Linking Chau Doc and Phnom Penh, the comfortable 10-seat and 24-seat Victoria speedboats are the ideal means to cruise the Mekong River. Daily fixed departures take five hours between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh.
Vietnam: SPECIAL DEALS
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.
Hoi An Riverside Resort & Spa is launching a special Summer campaign named "Golden Chance" at an incredible rate 50% discount. Make booking right now to get their extra offer with a sunset boat trip with a stay of three consecutive nights.
Victoria Express Train to Sapa is offering a buy one roundtrip ticket to get one free during June 2007. Certain terms and conditions apply.
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 the newly designed tour of the month, “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. Furthermore, the hotel is offering the Sunrise Great Intro, Superior or Deluxe five-star Packages, valid until June 30, 2007.
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 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 Le My Phuong
Ms Le My Phuong works in the reservations department at our Saigon headquarters. She is Senior Tour Operator Trainer, a key element of the Focus Asia team who knows all posts and duties. She has been working with us since day one and has over five years’ experience in the Vietnam tourism industry. She is extremely professional and devoted to Focus Asia’s success. She takes great care in her work and is responsible for our largest accounts. She was born in 1977 and is the mother of a playful young son. His name is Lam Thanh Nhan. Besides working in the tourism industry to broaden her knowledge of the world, she is an experienced graphic designer. Miss Phuong earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from the Social Sciences & Humanities University in Ho Chi Minh City. At work, she provides taste, flexibility, efficiency and attention to details. Her dream is always to be healthy while living happily with her family.
Vietnam: Projects under planning, construction or renovation
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.
Evason Ana Mandara has begun a program of upgrading and refurbishment in the second part of May 2007 and it will continue through the month of June. The work will consist of upgrading guest bathrooms in the Garden View accommodations. This will also include the replacement of water pipes and some roof refurbishment. Guestroom beds will be upsized and the Six Senses’ luxury bed standard will be introduced. Suites will have an additional window installed. The lobby bar will also be refurbished at this time, allowing for a more spacious feel and implementing a new wine bar with Vietnamese tapas concept. To minimize any disturbance to guests, works in the north and south sections of the resort will be carried out at differing times so as to contain noise and visibility.
Cambodia News
Cambodia: product Information
PMT Air operates three flights per week between Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. PMT Air has changed its flight schedule for flights to Sihanoukville (Kampong Som). Flights are taking off now on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with following schedule:
Siem Reap to Sihanoukville ( REP-KOS ) U4 241 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sihanoukville to Siem Reap ( KOS-REP ) U4 242 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
The airline is using a AN24.
Cambodia: Hotel of the month
The Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is a graceful colonial architecture built in the 1930s; it provides a sense of peaceful tranquillity. The hotel has been designed to be in total harmony with its natural surroundings and is enchantingly situated in the heart of Siem Reap, opposite the Royal Park. The Victoria Angkor is located within close proximity to World Heritage-listed Angkor Temples, the quaint old market town of Siem Reap and is only 7km (4.3 miles) from the international airport. The hotel features 130 cozy rooms including 52 Victoria Superior Rooms, 68 Victoria Deluxe Rooms and 10 Victoria Suites. The 120 rooms and 10 themed suites all have the distinctive Victoria touch; designed with beautiful wooden floors, stylish furniture, exclusive fabrics and original decorative artifacts that give an incomparable feeling of ease.
Le Bistro de Siem Reap is a cozy restaurant presenting modern French gastronomy. L'Escale features buffet style service and a delightful blend of international fare with a contemporary touch. Le Jardin de l'Apsara offers a true Khmer cultural experience in a pleasant ambience set in an alfresco surrounding while enjoying Cambodian, Asian and international preparations. The cultural show features traditional Khmer dances including the famous Apsara dances and live Khmer music performances. Bar L'Explorateur is the ideal venue to unwind and relax after a fantastic day of sightseeing. The harmonious setting of the Le Lotus Blanc Spa offers a great treat after an exciting day at the temples. Le Lotus Blanc Spa is a haven for ultimate relaxation and body rejuvenation set in a tranquil atmosphere with four indoor treatment rooms, three open air massage salas and steam rooms, providing various massages and beauty treatments for the body and soul.
CAMBODIA: SPECIAL 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.
Cambodia: Employee of the month
MISS KHIM VORLAK
Miss Khim Vorlak is a great office assistant in the Phnom Penh office. She is 23 years old and has worked with us for the past 3 years. After her BBA in Business Administration, she felt that working in the tourism industry was an opportunity to speak English regularly and to meet new people from around world. So she did, and that was the best experience she could enjoy before traveling around the world. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music and shopping. She believes strongly that the most important professional expectation one should have is to simply meet the customer needs and expectations.
Cambodia: Projects under planning, construction or renovation
Cambodia firm tees up new golf course. The Tay Ninh People’s Committee in Ha Noi from the southwestern province Tay Ninh has recently sent an application to the National government to allow Cambodian CVI Resort Ltd. to build a golf course at Moc Bai border gate between Viet Nam and Cambodia. The project is part of the co-operative framework on social economic development between the neighboring provinces of Viet Nam’s Tay Ninh and Cambodia’s Svay Rieng which was agreed and signed by the leaders of both sides on January 12 this year.