Travellers' Notes

(11-06-2005)

Binh Thuan seeks to lure tourists

The provincial authorities of Binh Thuan are seeking permission from the Government to hold major tourism events in 2006.

The central province has licensed 357 tourism projects with a combined investment of VND16 trillion (more than US$1 billion).

Last year, Binh Thuan received 1.5 million visitors, including 100,000 foreign tourists, up by 17 per cent compared with 2003.

International convention centre planned

Viet Nam plans to build a first-rate exhibition and conference centre in the Sai Gon South urban area in HCM City, according to the city authorities.

The first stage of construction would likely start by the end of this year with a total investment capital of $25 million.

The centre, which will be located on 11.7ha in the Phu My Hung new urban area in District 7, will have four 12,000sqm exhibition halls, an outdoor fair area, a well-equipped conference hall, a multi-storey office building, and a four-star and five-star hotel.

Saigontourist, the project’s investor, expects that the centre will help promote MICE (meeting, incentives, conference, exhibitions) tourism in HCM City.

Sofitel hosts Kiwi culinary week

The New Zealand Culinary Week will be held at the Sofitel Plaza Sai Gon Hotel from June 13 to 19.

The Vietnamese-born New Zealand Chef Linh Quan and the hotel’s executive chef Sakal will prepare special menus using New Zealand’s produce, accompanied by a selection of some of the finest wines from New Zealand. 

The New Zealand Culinary week at the Sofitel is part of a two-week promotion shared between Ha Noi and HCM city.

Flight to link Nha Trang, Bangkok

Thai Airways is expected to launch an air route from HCM City via Cam Ranh Peninsula near Nha Trang to Bangkok, said the provincial chairman of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee at a meeting with HCM City leaders last week. Van Phong Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, is next to the peninsula.

Tokyo TV to lens tourist documentary

Tokyo TV, one of the biggest TV channels in Japan, has started shooting a documentary about Viet Nam’s tourism industry.

The report, Stories about Two Cities of Viet Nam, will feature the country’s tourist attractions and cuisine in Ha Noi and HCM City. The Japanese TV channel is likely to broadcast the documentary on June 25.

Da Nang prepares for cultural festival

The central city of Da Nang is moving full steam ahead in its preparations for its second cultural festival.

The three-day Da Nang Festival 2005 will start July 8 with an extended range of activities, including an exhibition of several craft villages from across the country.

Ten bands from Viet Nam and South Korea will join the festival. Prior to the festival, the city tourism authority will hold a meeting in Ba Na from July 1 to 3 to introduce exciting new tours to the mountainous tourist spot. — VNS

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