Saigontourist: More New Projects Expected

3:26:32 PM | 7/8/2005

Saigontourist plays an important role in the development of tourism in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole. In 2004, new achievements were recorded.

In 2004, as tourism was marred by bird flu and world political security, Saigontourist tried its best to improve the image of tourism in Vietnam, participating in international fairs, roadshows, promotion programmes and seminars in major markets such as Japan, UK, France, Germany, Russia, USA, Australia, ROK, Singapore, and Thailand, to name but a few. At home, Saigontourist participated in the Hue Festival, international yachting, Vietnam-Japan cultural festival and co-organised the celebrations of socio-political events.

In addition to successful joint ventures, Saigontourist has expanded 5 more joint stock companies: Can Gio, Saigon Dalat, Saigon Phu Yen, Saigon Vinh Long and M&C. It is also building and will put to operation in late 2005 and early 2006 five hotels: Saigon Ninh Chu, Saigon Phu Yen, Saigon Quang Binh, Saigon Quy Nhon, Saigon Song Cau while continuing the expansion of tourist centres such as Saigon Mui Ne, Saigon Con Dao, Saigon Morin.

General Director Nguyen Huu Tho disclosed that Saigontourist plans to develop 209 ha of eco-tourism in Phu Quoc island, Saigon golf course (District 9, HCMC), Colivan culture & eco-tourism, Cam Ranh tourist centre, Sapa golf course and ethnic minorities village, while its joint ventures have started operating a 5-star Dai Duong hotel, Phu Quoc golf course, international exhibition centre and calling for investment.

In 2004, due to the improvement in facilities and services, Saigontourist received over 1,345,000 tourists, 5 per cent more than 2003, with hotel occupancy of 72.3 per cent, turnover of over VND3,587 billion, up 26 per cent.

In 2005, Saigontourist is continuing the programme “Marketing-Quality-Efficiency-Integration”, improving customer care services, “Saigontourist Gold Customers” programme and completing ISO 14001 certificates for remaining units. It will expand the market, diversify tourist products attracting more business customers to international travel and hotels, especially the MICE market, developing sea travel with famous tourist cruisers from America, Europe and Japan.