Vietnam Tourism to Emerge as Tourists Hot Spot by 2016

Vietnam tourism industry is expected to grow at a CARG of 14% during the next five years’ period (i.e. from 2007 to 2011). And, the country is expected to become one of the top ten tourist destinations by the year 2016.

In its recently published market research report on “Opportunities in Vietnam Tourism Industry (2007-2009)", RNCOS has found that the tourist influx in Vietnam would grow at a CAGR value of approximately 14% over the next five years (2007-2011).

Vietnam is one of the best performing economies in Asian region. The country welcomed around 3.6 million international tourists last year (2006), representing a 2.1 million increase from 2000. And, receipts from incoming tourists reached almost US$2.4 Billion (around 3.9% of overall GDP), US$1.2 Billion up against 2000.

By 2016, Vietnam is expected to emerge as one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world. As a result of the tourism industry’s expansion, there will be more job opportunities, and increased incomes & consumer spending. This will also drive the economic growth in the country. Aviation, transportation, hospitality and other industries closely associated with the tourism industry will also benefit from this surge in tourism.

As per the RNCOS report “Opportunities in Vietnam Tourism Industry (2007-2009)", “Tourism is amongst the most rapidly growing industrial sectors in most countries of the world. And, in Asian countries, Vietnam in amongst the destinations enjoying maximum growth rates in tourist arrivals.

In recent years, the country has welcomed visitors from different countries. The list includes long haul visitors from countries such as US, China, Australia, and France, and regional travelers from adjoining countries within ASEAN (Association of South-East-Asian Nations) and high spending visitors from North East Asia.”Key issues and facts analyzed in this report include: performance of Global tourism, Asia-Pacific tourism and ASEAN tourism industry, position of Vietnam tourism industry with respect to the ASEAN tourism industry, outbound tourism, domestic tourism, and expenditure by inbound tourist, etc.

Vietnam Attracts Indian Tourists In A Big Way

Vietnam, ranked among the top 10 countries expected to see the strongest tourism growth in the next decade, is keen to get more and more Indian visitors, who now number just a trickle.

'We now want to pitch ourselves hard in India especially as it represents one-sixth of the population. It is obviously a huge tourist market for us,' says Do Minh Tuan, deputy director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

'We have a master plan on tourism in place. So, obviously we need to run more promotion campaigns to boost our image in the international market,' said Tuan.

One major reason for the Indian modest arrivals, officials say, has been the absence of direct flights between the two countries. Last year, just over 5,500 Indians visited Vietnam, which is famous for its ancient architecture, stunning landscapes, pristine beaches and historic relics.

Vietnam Airlines and Indian Airlines have announced sharply reduced round-trip tickets on the New Delhi-Bangkok-Hanoi route to lure more Indian tourists.

'I would imagine that if direct flights were started, there is bound to be increased volumes of tourists. Also, more tourism campaigns are in order as many Indians still believe that Vietnam is a war-ravaged country, which is not the case,' exclaims India's consul general Jitendra Nath Misra.

Last year, Vietnam had nearly 3.6 million foreign tourist arrivals. It expects to get four million tourists this year. Topping the list were tourists from China followed by South Korea, the US, Japan and Taiwan.

As Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung sets off next week on his maiden visit to India, promoting tourism will be on top of his agenda, especially with India's rising profile.
'We have great potential to develop tourism. This is one area which both countries need to bolster,' said Dzung.

Vietnam hopes to get at least 5.5-6 million foreign visitors and 25-26 million domestic ones by 2010, to take its total tourism revenues to $4-4.5 billion.

ITE EXPO 2007 - UNVEIL THE CHARMS OF INDOCHINA

UNVEIL THE CHARMS OF INDOCHINA
Cambodia – Laos – Vietnam
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International Travel Expo HCMC 2007
October 5-7, 2007. Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Ho Chi Minh City

From the first two presentations of its maiden launch of International Travel Expo HCMC, the dream of developing a cross country tourism product finally came through in October 2006 pursuant to an official meeting amongst the government officials of Cambodia Tourism Bureau, Laos National Tourism Administration and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

The theme of ITE HCMC 2007 would be “Unveil the Charms of Vietnam –Laos – Cambodia – Three countries One destination”.

This product will attract many far away tourists from USA, Europe, Australia, Japan and Korea to visit HCMC, and then extend to the rest of the countries in the IndoChina circle” commented by Mr La Quoc Khanh, Deputy Director, HCMC’s Department of Tourism.

The airline industry in Ho Chi Minh City applauds this initiative and is extending its support to this project. “This is a very good move by the three countries as many of the tourists in the United States of America would normally spend 3 weeks or more in Asia. With the concerted effort to promote this package, it makes the travel to Vietnam more attractive by packaging another two beautiful Asean countries into their itinerary. Said Mr Joe Mannix, General Manager in Vietnam, United Airlines. The airline will be one of the supporting airlines of ITE HCMC 2007 bringing in over 20 buyers from USA to attend this Exhibition.

Additionally, the official airline, Vietnam Airlines announced that the IndoChina Air Pass will be launched during ITE HCMC 2007. The airline which is now having direct flights from HCMC to Cambodia and Laos will offer a special price per sector for travelers who wish to unveil the Charms of Viet Nam –Lao – Cambodia.

“We are heartened by this initiative as it not only will strengthen the ties amongst the countries but also will act as a booster for our economies.” Said Mr Bounma Phetsavong – Vice Minister of Laos National Tourism Administration,

“Three countries, One Destination (“TCOD”) is a strong marketing platform for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. With the support from Vietnam Airlines and having HCMC as the travel hub for this initiative, it will definitely be a memorable experience for the tourists” said Mr So Mara, Vice Secretary of State, and Assistant to Prime Minister, Cambodia Tourism Bureau.

“We have set the stage to position HCMC as the hub of tourism development for 3 countries with the support from airlines flying into HCMC particularly the national airline, Vietnam Airlines. It is definitely going to be an exciting and challenging ITE HCMC 2007” concluded Mr Alex Eow, President of Binet Exhibitions Pte Ltd, a member of the Organising Committee.

ITE HCMC 2007 will be held from 5-7 October 2007 at Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Ho Chi Minh City. There will be a hosted buyer’s programme from 4-6 October 2007 comprising social activities, destination presentation, buyers and sellers meeting, FAM trips etc. The exhibition will be opened to the trader and professionals on 5-6 October 2007 and the last day (7 October 2007) will be opened to the public.

ITE HCMC 2007 is sponsored by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and supported by Ministry of Trade and The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. It is jointly organized by HCMC Department of Tourism, Vinexad and Binet Exhibitions Pte Ltd.

For more information and participation, please contact: http://www.itehcmc.com/

BINET Exhibitions Pte Ltd
Email: kamlin@binetexpo.com

HCMC Department of Tourism

Email: congtran.minh@gmail.com

Yunnan moves toward greater integration with Vietnam

Yunnan moves toward greater integration with Vietnam

Recent transport agreements signed by China and Vietnam highlight the growing importance of the Yunnan-Vietnam trade relationship. The agreements were signed during a visit by Yunnan Governor Qin Guangrong to Hanoi for the Vietnam Expo 2007.

The transportation ministries of Yunnan and Vietnam's Lao Cai province signed an agreement earlier this month which will expedite border-crossing procedures for vehicles carrying cargo or passengers between the neighboring provinces.

The agreement will benefit trucking firms, which will no longer be required to unload their cargo at the border for transport via other trucks.

Tourist and passenger services between Yunnan and Lao Cai will also be expedited, giving travelers from Yunnan easier access to destinations including Lao Cai City, Sa Pa and Van Ban.China's Ministry of Communications and Vietnam's Ministry of Transport also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) earlier in the month paving the way for China to help its neighbor to the south build four expressways that will further integrate the two countries' road networks.

In the MOU, China pledged technological support including feasibility studies and road design on a Hanoi Airport expressway as well as the Hanoi-Lang Son, Hanoi-Haiphong and Hanoi-Lao Cai expressways.

According to Chinese government statistics, Vietnam overtook Myanmar as Yunnan's largest Southeast Asian trading partner in January of this year.

The Hanoi-Haiphong and Hanoi-Lao Cai expressways are of particular significance to Kunming as they will provide a road link via the Chinese border city of Hekou to the port of Haiphong - the closest port to Kunming. A 400-kilometer expressway connecting Kunming with Hekou is scheduled for completion this year.

The Hanoi-Lang Son expressway will connect the Vietnamese city with an expressway into Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, via the Chinese border city of Youyiguan. Goods traveling into Guangxi will be able to continue on to major cities in and around Guangdong province including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. No timetable for completion of the roads has been given.

Source: GoKunming

Traveling down the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia

Traveling down the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia

The mighty Mekong River runs nearly 5,000 km through Burma, Thailand, Laos, Yunnan, Cambodia and Vietnam and while it may not be the longest river in Asia, it is certainly the most beautiful.

The river flows into the South China Sea just south of Saigon, known today as Ho Chi Minh City, and its delta is the starting point for many cruises.

It is not possible to navigate the entire length of the Mekong since the Sambor rapids prevent further passage. Luckily, the confluence with the Tonle Sap, the river's main tributary, is just above Phnom Penh and ships can use it to reach the celebrated temple complex of Angkor Wat.
Gliding along the lower reaches of the Mekong offers the visitor broad tableaux of local everyday life. Only two cruise vessels ply this section, the Tonle Pandaw and the Mekong Pandaw, which can carry 66 or 64 passengers. Those who have booked a trip upriver, board their ship in My Tho in Vietnam, some 60 km south of Saigon.

The journey unfolds past mangrove forests and green rice paddies, offering glimpses of many villages and cottage industries along the way. Now and then, the ships pass a bathing spot where children enjoy a dip while their mothers wash clothes and crockery in the water. There are hardly any roads here, the river is the main transport artery and that explains why it is so busy. Motorboats dart past canoes being paddled from bank to bank while the traditional sampan wooden cargo boat is a common sight.

When it runs close to larger towns and cities the Mekong becomes even livelier. Take the bustling town of Cai Be, where the big river cruisers tie up at the dockside. A maze of canals, it boasts many gardens, some temples and a church but no streets to speak of.

The floating market is the main attraction here and it lures farmers from the outlying districts who trade their wares straight from the deck of a sampan.

Chau Doc is another hive of activity. A huge dockside market selling local produce and commodities dominates the town on the border with Cambodia. The fresh food booths offer anything from dried fish to peeled grapefruit or even frog's legs for the gourmet.

Beyond the border there are fewer settlements and houses alongside the river compared with the stretch inside Vietnam. The Cambodian riverside is less busy until shortly before Phnom Penh. This energetic city is the largest settlement along the river. The waterside is dominated by relics of the past; pagodas and palaces attract the eye alongside handsome villas built in the French colonial style.

The best place to muse over artifacts of the Khmer culture is the National Museum, whose riches were fortunately not plundered during the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. It is best to set aside a whole day to admire the many statues and bas-reliefs. The huge central market erected in the art deco style is also well worth a visit along with the Royal Palace.

The horrors of Cambodia's recent past can be seen at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. After a tour of the former Pol Pot torture chambers, the proverbial gentleness and friendliness of the Cambodians seems all the more astonishing.

Beyond Phnom Penh, the cruise ship leaves the Mekong to chug up the Tonle Sap. This river is unique since for half of the year, starting from the rainy season in June, it reverses its flow. From November onwards, the normal flow to the river mouth is resumed.

On the northern shore of Tonle Sap lake is the booming provincial town of Siem Reap. The most compelling reason to come here is to visit Angkor Wat, one of the world's most spectacular ancient temples. The complex has been on UNESCO's list of world cultural monuments since 1992.

Around 1,000 relics lie strewn across this vast site stretching across some 200 square km. Visitors can book individual tours or explore on their own. Those with only a few days to spare should concentrate on Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious structure, and plan trips to the overgrown city of Angkor Thom and the Ta Phrom temple district.

Both world culture and subculture are catered for in Siem Reap, which offers a wide range of bars and clubs in the centre, one street is even called Bar Street. One of the establishments is the Red Piano Bar where actress Angelina Jolie was a guest when she filmed the movie 'Tomb Raider' in Angkor in 2001. It comes, as no surprise that the most popular drink here is Tomb Raider Cocktail.

Turkmenistan News.Net. Wednesday 18th April, 2007

Mekong Tourism Investment Forum 2007

Mekong Tourism Investment Forum 2007

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tourism authorities from the six countries of the Greater Mekong sub-region met in HCM City on 29-30 March 2007 to seek common strategies to encourage investment in privately owned facilities and services.

One of the main speakers, Dr Pham Tu, Vietnam National Administration for Tourism (VNAT) deputy director general, said the forum sought ideas from the business community, tourism authorities and financing institutions.

The goal was to make the area a major tourism destination and contribute to poverty alleviation and sustainable tourism development, he said.

More than 150 representatives of the business community and tourism authorities from Viet Nam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Yunnan Province in China attended the second annual Mekong tourism investment forum.

Financial lenders, academics, experts and observers also contributed their ideas toward creating sustainable tourism, especially for small- and medium-sized companies that operate in the private sector.

Held by the ADB and VNAT, the forum explored specific investment options, including common commercial bank loans, currently available SME funds and soft-loans, venture capital, and personal financing.

Delegates also discussed green certification, networking and mentor programs and proposed solutions that ADB and other related institutions could support.

Dr. Tu said the Greater Mekong Sub-region, which covers 2.5 million sq. km and has a population of more than 300 million, has great potential for tourism development, with 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monuments.

(www.mekongworldheritage.org http://whc.unesco.org/en/list)

In 2005, GMS received more than 20.5 million visitors, accounting for 11 per cent of the total number of tourist arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region. The figure is expected to grow to 50 million in 2015. Dr. Tu said in 2005 the GMS tourism sector earned US$16 billion and generated more than 4 million jobs.

Kamol Ratanavirakul, senior consultant at the Institute for SME Development of Thailand and president of Thai Hotel and Hospitality Management Association, said the International Finance Corp, ADB, the Japanese Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund and other lending institutions should provide more support to SMEs in the region.

That could be done by setting up a tourism development fund providing low-interest loans to tourism SMEs, he said.

According to an ADB report, participation by the private sector in the GMS was mixed. In Cambodia and Thailand, tourism-related businesses all belong to the private sector, while in China’s Yunnan Province, Laos and Vietnam, many are government-owned, particularly larger hotels. However, many small- and medium-sized travel agencies in Vietnam are in the private sector.

For further information please contact: www.mekongtourism.org

19th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

19th Meeting of the GMS Tourism Working Group

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is organising the 19th Meeting of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, Tourism Working Group in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. The meeting is kindly being hosted by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism and will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 09.00hrs – 18.30hrs. at the Rex Hotel .

Thereafter, a forum organised and sponsored by Asian Development Bank, Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism and Viet Nam Airlines will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 also at the Rex Hotel

Entitle: Greater Mekong Subregion Sustainable Tourism Development Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Forum (TA 6279-REG) - Building a More Conducive Environment for Investment in Sustainable Tourism SMEs.

To know more about Mekong Tourism Forum or would like to know about Mekong Tourism and its activities, please check www.mekongtourism.org

Mekong Region as a Single Travel and Tourism Destination

To promote the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination under the brand ‘Mekong Tourism’.

Tourism is undeniably one of the largest industries in the world and a rapidly growing phenomenon. This particularly true of the GMS Countries.

For complete information on Mekong Tourism and Development, please log on to the official site www.mekongtourism.org