The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced on Tuesday that it is investing up to VND3.5 trillion (US$150 million) in Vietnam's first-ever local currency sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) issued by BIM Land Joint Stock Company and its subsidiary, Thanh Xuan Joint Stock Company. The first local currency SLBs in Vietnam aim to help issuers expand their businesses while creating jobs, boosting competitiveness, and supporting the country's low-carbon growth model. IFC's investment comprises two subscriptions—over VND2.3 trillion (about $100 million) to be issued by BIM Land, a tourism and property developer in Vietnam, and nearly VND1.2 trillion (about $50 million) to be issued by Thanh Xuan Joint Stock Company. Both the issuers are subsidiaries of BIM Group, a multi-sector corporation in Vietnam. The proceeds will be used to develop the Thanh Xuan valley project in northern Vinh Phuc Province, including an eco-friendly and unique … [Read more...] about IFC invests in Vietnam’s first local currency sustainability bonds
Vietnam hotels
Hoi An hotels hauled up inflating star ratings
Nguyen Thanh Hong, director of the Quang Nam Province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said an inspection was done of tourist accommodation establishments in Hoi An on September 11 and a number of hotels were found proclaiming four- and five-star status without designation as such by authorities. They were also found using misleading advertising, he said. They included Le Pavillon Luxury Hoi An Resort & Spa, Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa, Koi Resort & Spa Hoi An and Bellerive Hoi An Hotel & Spa. Quang Nam authorities said Le Pavillon Luxury Hoi An Resort & Spa has not received any star rating but claimed to be a four-star establishment on signboards outside, its official website and travel sites. It has since removed the signs at the gate. Inspectors also found these hotels have been advertised as four-star or five-star rating on online room booking platforms, such as Agoda and Booking. Pham Hong Phuoc, marketing manager of … [Read more...] about Hoi An hotels hauled up inflating star ratings
Fusion Hotel Group launches business hotel brand
The 172-room hotel – HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong – is located in Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park 1 in Thuan An of Binh Duong province. Created for business travellers around industrial and logistic hubs, the hotel is near AEON Mall, Song Be Golf Resort, and just an hour from Ho Chi Minh City’s international airport. The opening of HIIVE by Fusion Binh Duong will mark the new brand’s Southeast Asia debut With interiors and facilities to support both work and leisure travel, the HIIVE hotel features spacious rooms for longer stays, flexible meeting rooms, coworking spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, a sports bar, a golf simulator, a 24-hour fitness centre, and guest laundry facilities on every floor. “There has been a steady increase in foreign investment and business travel into Vietnam, with Binh Duong quickly emerging as a main manufacturing hub located just outside Ho Chi Minh City,” said Christopher Hur, president of Lodgis Hospitality, the parent company of … [Read more...] about Fusion Hotel Group launches business hotel brand
Vietnam still sees modest number of int’l visitors: travel firms
Foreigners have expressed strong interest in visiting Vietnam, but the number of travelers actually making a hotel or tour booking remains modest, according to travel business insiders. Speaking at a tourism event held in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of tour operator Vietravel, said that the revival of the inbound market in Vietnam has yet to reward the significant efforts that businesses have dedicated in recent time. Currently, Vietnam has become a destination garnering global attention, according to Hoang. However, the number of foreign visitors actually placing bookings for services in the country remains quite modest. The primary cause behind this trend, Hoang believed, is the absence of competitive services in the tourism sector. In addition, although visa policies have gradually been relaxed, their enforcement still poses challenges for tourists. “Following the outbreak of the [COVID-19] pandemic, we have … [Read more...] about Vietnam still sees modest number of int’l visitors: travel firms
Roadshow promotes Vietnam – Australia trade, education cooperation
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Huu Hoang and Rebecca Ball, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Australia. (Photo: VNA) Khanh Hoa (VNA) – The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) recently organised a roadshow in the central province of Khanh Hoa to unlock Vietnam – Australia cooperation opportunities in the fields of education and trade. The event, held as part of the activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – Australia diplomatic relations, drew more than 100 representatives from Australian universities, education establishments, food enterprises, as well as those from local branches, sectors, restaurants, hotels, retailers, importers, universities and colleges. Rebecca Ball, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Australia, said that the event is expected to serve as a booster for the Vietnam – Australia trade through new cooperation opportunities in education and agrifood. Similar roadshow s … [Read more...] about Roadshow promotes Vietnam – Australia trade, education cooperation
Visa study shed lights on Vietnam travel trends
The Global Intentions Study 2023 surveys more than 40,000 consumers globally across 37 markets on their recent travel in the past 12 months and intention to travel in the next 12 months. The study fieldwork was conducted from April 2023 to June 2023. Vietnam, a country of vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has become a favoured destination for travellers from across the globe. As the world transitions into a new era of post-pandemic exploration, understanding the changing trends in the Vietnamese travel landscape is crucial for travellers and industry stakeholders. “For more than a decade, the Global Travel Intentions Study has equipped Visa and its partners, in Vietnam and worldwide, with unparalleled insights on the travel and payment landscape. This invaluable knowledge allows operators in the industry to plan and execute effective strategies to satisfy consumer demands and grow their businesses, and reinforces Visa’s commitment to creating a cashless … [Read more...] about Visa study shed lights on Vietnam travel trends
More investments from South Korea coming to Vietnam
On September 22, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin came to Vietnam to attend the opening ceremony of Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi. With an invetment of $643 million, this mall is currently the biggest project of Lotte that has become operational in Vietnam. Entering Vietnam in 1996, the group has opened shopping centres and supermarkets and then expanded operations to other fields such as hotels and cinemas. Lotte now has 19 member companies in Vietnam, Shin said as cited by Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review). Lotte has reportedly channelled about $5 billion into Vietnam, and the figure is expected to keep rising. When he attended the launch of work on Lotte Eco Smart City Thu Thiem, worth $900 million, in September last year, Shin said this project marked the start of a series of more Lotte investments in the country in the time ahead. Also on September 22, SK Group, another giant from South Korea, was granted an investment registration certificate to pour more capital into … [Read more...] about More investments from South Korea coming to Vietnam
Vietnam Pho Festival 2023: A chance for cultural connection
Editor’s note: People from Vietnam and abroad expressed their thoughts on the Vietnamese national dish on the occasion of the 'Vietnam Pho Festival 2023,' to be held in Tokyo next month. The following comments have been edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity, consistency, and coherence. Micka Chu from France: ' Pho was the first Vietnamese dish I liked' When I first came to Vietnam seven years ago, I was not acquainted with Vietnamese food. When I came across a large and fragrant bowl of pho with lots of vegetables, I knew I had found something I could eat. Pho was the first Vietnamese dish I liked, and it helped open the door to other Vietnamese dishes. Micka Chu enjoys ' pho' in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Son Trang / Tuoi Tre I think the Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 in Tokyo is an opportunity to connect Japanese and Vietnamese culture. The festival will not only bring pho to Japan but also many 'versions' of the dish to the Japanese people, … [Read more...] about Vietnam Pho Festival 2023: A chance for cultural connection
Emerging trends expected to power Vietnam’s tourism boom: study
Several ongoing trends in the Vietnamese tourism sector have contributed to its strong recovery in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the increasing travel demands of Gen Z and families with kids as significant contributors, according to the Visa Global Travel Intentions Study (GTI) 2023. Vietnam, with its stunning landscapes and diverse cultural heritage sites, has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. According to the study, it is vital for both travelers and industry stakeholders to understand new trends in Vietnamese tourism following the pandemic. In terms of leisure trips, families with kids and 'Silvers' – individuals older than 60 – made an average of 2.4 trips over the past 12 months, more than any other market segments, according to the GTI 2023. Besides ticking visiting landmarks, Vietnamese tourists are now placing a strong emphasis on leisure-focused and experiential journeys. Relaxation was the main driver of travel, … [Read more...] about Emerging trends expected to power Vietnam’s tourism boom: study
More investments from RoK coming to Vietnam
The newly opened Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi (Photo: taichinhdoanhnghiep.net.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – A number of large enterprises from the Republic of Korea (RoK) are continuing to pour investment into Vietnam, turning the Southeast Asian country into their leading manufacturing hub in the world. On September 22, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin came to Vietnam to attend the opening ceremony of Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi. With an invetment of 643 million USD, this mall is currently the biggest project of Lotte that has become operational in Vietnam. Entering Vietnam in 1996, the group has opened shopping centres and supermarkets and then expanded operations to other fields such as hotels and cinemas. Lotte now has 19 member companies in Vietnam, Shin said as cited by Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review). Lotte has reportedly channelled about 5 billion USD into Vietnam, and the figure is expected to keep rising. When he attended the launch of work on Lotte Eco Smart City Thu … [Read more...] about More investments from RoK coming to Vietnam