Spain supports Vietnam’s sustainable tourism
Updated : 5/21/2013 6:10:10 PM
(VOV) -A Spanish-funded project on sustainable tourism development in Vietnam’s highland regions has been a great success, a conference was told in Hanoi on May 21.
The project, sponsored by the Spanish Government’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), was implemented in Central Highland and northwestern mountain provinces, including Dien Bien, Ha Giang, and Lao Cai from November 2011 to February 2013.
Ha Van Sieu, head of the Institute for Tourism Development Research (ITDR), reported that despite the moderate
EUR400,000 budget, the project has successfully fulfilled all of its targets.
Spanish Ambassador Alfonso Tena said Vietnam is gradually improving the quality of its tourism services, aiming to welcome 7 million foreign visitors in 2013.
US$370 million from pepper exports in four months
Updated : 5/16/2013 6:30:24 PM
(VOV) -Vietnam exported more than
38,000 tonnes of pepper in the first four months of 2013, earning US$370 million and improving on last year’s revenue by 30 percent.
The Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA) predicts over 90 million tonnes of pepper will be shipped abroad by the end of this year.
Vietnam is currently the
world leader in terms of pepper output (about 120,000 tonnes annually). However, 70 percent of pepper exports are in the form of raw materials with low value.
The country exports pepper to more than 90 countries and territories, but most consumers are unaware their spices originate in Vietnam as products are usually processed and packaged overseas.
Nghe An inaugurates its first five-star hotel
20:07 | 20/05/2013
The Muong Thanh Hotel Chain inaugurated the first five-star hotel in Vinh city, central Nghe An province, on May 19 as a gift to President Ho Chi Minh’s homeland on the 123rd anniversary of his birth.
The
135 metre tall Muong Thanh Song Lam Hotel comprises 33 storeys and one basement with 425 five-star international standard rooms. It also features luxury amenities including restaurants and bars, convention halls, a spa and yoga fitness centre, an open swimming pool and various sports clubs.
The Muong Thanh Song Lam is now the tallest, most modern hotel in the province, symbolising Vinh city in its development and integration period.
HCM City okays expansion ferry station
14:02 | 21/05/2013 VIR
Cat Lai Ferry Station photo source: vnexpress.net
The HCM City administration has approved the expansion of the Cat Lai ferry station connecting HCM City’s District 2 with Dong Nai province’s Nhon Trach district.
The work, to cope with the crush and reduce waiting time for passengers, is expected to cost around VND100 billion ($4.8 million) and take six months.
