The Ministry of Information and Communications is finalizing formalities to grant an early license to GTel Telecom Corporation, under the Ministry of Public Security, to offer mobile services.
The mobile information market is awaiting a newcomer, GTel. Existing operators are concerned because behind GTel is Vimpelcom, the second biggest mobile service provider in Russia.
New kid on the block
It is rumored that GTel does not have abundant financial resources, so it will have to rely on its Russian partner, Vimpelcom, said to have invested $1 billion into the GTel Mobile network, the biggest investment ever in a domestic mobile network.
Experts said that to quickly operate its network, GTel will learn from HT Mobile’s experience. GTel will organize tenders to choose equipment providers and installers like HT Mobile hired Nortel. Analysts say GTel will have to choose this method because it needs to quickly implement its network but doesn’t have sufficient human resources.
As a newcomer, GTel will face labor shortage challenges because it is in the public security sector, which has no relation with telecom. Experts say this operator will lure employees of other mobile networks with incentives and titles.
Frequency change
The Ministry of Public Security on November 2, 2007 signed a decision to establish the Global Telecom Corporation or GTel. Previously, the Ministry and Vimpelcom signed a principle agreement during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s official visit to Russia in September 2007. Under the agreement, a GSM-based mobile telecom joint venture named GTel Mobile will be established in Vietnam. Vimpelcom also announced it would invest $1 billion into Vietnam in the next few years to develop a GSM system. The Russian partner said also participating in this joint venture is the US’ Millennium Global Solutions Group.
It is said that the Ministry of Information and Communications will allow GTel to provide mobile services at 1,800 MHz. However, experts say that if GTel uses this frequency, it will have to install many more base transceiver stations than those who are licensed to use 800-900 MHz.
An official from the Ministry of Information and Communications on January 17 confirmed that GTel asked permission to supply GSM-based mobile services, and the Ministry is working on the necessary formalities. He also said GTel will be licensed to use the 1,800 MHz frequency.
“According to Vietnam’s WTO commitments, we don’t restrict the number of mobile service providers in Vietnam, but if our frequency resources run out, we can’t license new networks. The effective frequency (800-900 MHz) is out and we only have 1,800 MHz frequency left,” the official said. (Buu Dien VN Newspaper)
Showing posts with label Tourism - Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism - Services. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Movenpick opens in Vietnam
Swiss hotel chain Mövenpick is to open two hotels in the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. The company's first move into Vietnam came about after the takeover of two existing five-star hotels, which will reopen under the Movenpick brand by the end of 2008, following renovations.
"We are proud of the fact… we will very soon be gaining a foothold in Vietnam too, after Thailand and Singapore," said Jean Gabriel Pérès, president of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
"Once the renovations are completed, we will have two exceptional city hotels here, tailored precisely to the needs of our guests."
The 251-room Mövenpick Hotel Saigon will be in the Phu Nhuan district of Ho Chi Minh and will have three restaurants and two bars, besides an outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa.
The Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi - formerly the Guoman Hotel Hanoi – is in the business centre of the city with 150 rooms, a restaurant and a bar.
It will also offer a fitness centre with sauna and massage facilities.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently has 80 hotels in 25 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
"We are proud of the fact… we will very soon be gaining a foothold in Vietnam too, after Thailand and Singapore," said Jean Gabriel Pérès, president of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
"Once the renovations are completed, we will have two exceptional city hotels here, tailored precisely to the needs of our guests."
The 251-room Mövenpick Hotel Saigon will be in the Phu Nhuan district of Ho Chi Minh and will have three restaurants and two bars, besides an outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and spa.
The Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi - formerly the Guoman Hotel Hanoi – is in the business centre of the city with 150 rooms, a restaurant and a bar.
It will also offer a fitness centre with sauna and massage facilities.
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently has 80 hotels in 25 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Over US $1billion to be invested in Tuy Hoa airport
A master plan on Tuy Hoa airport in Phu Yen province for 2015 and vision to 2025 were released by the Central Airport Group on January 21.
Under the plan, Tuy Hoa airport will be able to receive planes like A320/32, B737/300 and so on, and 100,000 passengers a year in the first phase and 300,000 passengers a year in the following years.
According to estimates, the investment in the construction will be some VND 1,670 billion. Many projects in the airport will be upgraded and the airport will be extended to nearly 700 ha, sources from the airport management announced.
At present, Flight Service company is exploiting the Ho Chi Minh City-Tuy Hoa route with 8 flights a week from Tuy Hoa airport. (Tuoi Tre)
Under the plan, Tuy Hoa airport will be able to receive planes like A320/32, B737/300 and so on, and 100,000 passengers a year in the first phase and 300,000 passengers a year in the following years.
According to estimates, the investment in the construction will be some VND 1,670 billion. Many projects in the airport will be upgraded and the airport will be extended to nearly 700 ha, sources from the airport management announced.
At present, Flight Service company is exploiting the Ho Chi Minh City-Tuy Hoa route with 8 flights a week from Tuy Hoa airport. (Tuoi Tre)
Biggest golf course-resort complex being constructed in Lam Dong
The construction of the biggest golf course and resort complex has been recently started by Korea-Vietnam Ltd.Co in Da Lat, Lam Dong.
The 36-hole golf course and the resort on an area of 440ha make the project the biggest in Lam Dong province.
With the capital of US$ 17 million, the project will be completed after three years.
According to Mr Huynh Duc Hoa, Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, the project is not only expected to contribute to the development of the province’s tourism but also local socio-economic growth.
Recently, the company has also agreed on an additional VND 500 million for Hiep An commune to construct a school for primary school students and given two houses of gratitude to ethnic households of K’Ren tribe.
The 36-hole golf course and the resort on an area of 440ha make the project the biggest in Lam Dong province.
With the capital of US$ 17 million, the project will be completed after three years.
According to Mr Huynh Duc Hoa, Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, the project is not only expected to contribute to the development of the province’s tourism but also local socio-economic growth.
Recently, the company has also agreed on an additional VND 500 million for Hiep An commune to construct a school for primary school students and given two houses of gratitude to ethnic households of K’Ren tribe.
Royal Caribbean new cruise market entrant
Royal Caribbean International is turning its spotlight on Vietnamese cruise vacationers and this country, which the company's director of business development in Asia Pacific described as a market of importance and great potential.
"Vietnam is definitely an important link in our Asian development," Kelvin Tan told the Daily on Rhapsody of the Seas yesterday when the giant vessel docked at Phu My Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.
Tan said Vietnam had emerged as a popular destination on the world's tourism map, especially for European and North American guests. "The country has many beautiful and historical cities along the coast."
He clarified guests aboard a Royal Caribbean ship would be able to visit Vietnam's economic hub of HCMC, the World Heritage-listed sites of Hue and Hoi An in the central region, as well as Hanoi and the World Heritage site of Halong Bay, both in northern Vietnam.
Tan stressed Royal Caribbean was targeting guests in Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia for the company's short cruises with about three to five nights. "I think these short cruises will be very popular with Vietnamese customers."
Tan said there were a few ways for Vietnamese passengers to board a Royal Caribbean ship in Asia. "This season, we are operating in Singapore and Hong Kong so guests should fly to these destinations to board our ship for cruises. So it is definitely an air-sea package."
Tan explained Vietnamese passengers did not have to apply for a visa for the cruises covering Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. However, they have to get visas for the cruise from Hong Kong to Japan.
Vietnamese passengers will have to pay US$300 on average for a package with three nights of staying on a Royal Caribbean ship, and the cost does not include airfare, he said.
"The cost is very affordable as it covers all the fees for accommodation, meals, entertainment shows and other activities and services when they are aboard our ship," Tan said. He added a cruise offered passengers an opportunity to relax and visit many destinations in one time.
Actually, Royal Caribbean ships have docked in Vietnam several times, including in 2000 and 2001, but this time was quite different.
"The big difference is that we come here now to cater to all Asian passengers, including Vietnamese. In the past, we mainly catered to Europeans and North Americans," Tan said.
He furthered Royal Caribbean started its plan for the itinerary in Asia, and chose Vietnam when looking for Asian ports for its ships to dock.
Over the past years, Royal Caribbean has already serviced Vietnamese guests on its short cruises from Singapore or on its Mediterranean cruise last year.
"We have seen interest of travel agents and more people in our Royal Caribbean ships. We feel that now is the right time to come to this market as the demand for outbound tours is growing very fast. I think people start to accept the cruise and this is very important," Tan said.
Royal Caribbean ships will come back to Vietnam this year and next, Tan said after the tour organized by Hanoi Toserco for travel agents and reporters to inspect the Rhapsody of the Seas.
The cruise ship with some 1,900 passengers aboard left Vietnam for Thailand last night after visiting Halong, Danang and Nha Trang cities.
Pham Phu Tron, director of Hanoi Toserco in HCMC, told the Daily that the Hanoi-based company and other travel firms now arranged package tours that cover cruises and holidays in Singapore and Hong Kong. (SGT)
"Vietnam is definitely an important link in our Asian development," Kelvin Tan told the Daily on Rhapsody of the Seas yesterday when the giant vessel docked at Phu My Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province.
Tan said Vietnam had emerged as a popular destination on the world's tourism map, especially for European and North American guests. "The country has many beautiful and historical cities along the coast."
He clarified guests aboard a Royal Caribbean ship would be able to visit Vietnam's economic hub of HCMC, the World Heritage-listed sites of Hue and Hoi An in the central region, as well as Hanoi and the World Heritage site of Halong Bay, both in northern Vietnam.
Tan stressed Royal Caribbean was targeting guests in Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia for the company's short cruises with about three to five nights. "I think these short cruises will be very popular with Vietnamese customers."
Tan said there were a few ways for Vietnamese passengers to board a Royal Caribbean ship in Asia. "This season, we are operating in Singapore and Hong Kong so guests should fly to these destinations to board our ship for cruises. So it is definitely an air-sea package."
Tan explained Vietnamese passengers did not have to apply for a visa for the cruises covering Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. However, they have to get visas for the cruise from Hong Kong to Japan.
Vietnamese passengers will have to pay US$300 on average for a package with three nights of staying on a Royal Caribbean ship, and the cost does not include airfare, he said.
"The cost is very affordable as it covers all the fees for accommodation, meals, entertainment shows and other activities and services when they are aboard our ship," Tan said. He added a cruise offered passengers an opportunity to relax and visit many destinations in one time.
Actually, Royal Caribbean ships have docked in Vietnam several times, including in 2000 and 2001, but this time was quite different.
"The big difference is that we come here now to cater to all Asian passengers, including Vietnamese. In the past, we mainly catered to Europeans and North Americans," Tan said.
He furthered Royal Caribbean started its plan for the itinerary in Asia, and chose Vietnam when looking for Asian ports for its ships to dock.
Over the past years, Royal Caribbean has already serviced Vietnamese guests on its short cruises from Singapore or on its Mediterranean cruise last year.
"We have seen interest of travel agents and more people in our Royal Caribbean ships. We feel that now is the right time to come to this market as the demand for outbound tours is growing very fast. I think people start to accept the cruise and this is very important," Tan said.
Royal Caribbean ships will come back to Vietnam this year and next, Tan said after the tour organized by Hanoi Toserco for travel agents and reporters to inspect the Rhapsody of the Seas.
The cruise ship with some 1,900 passengers aboard left Vietnam for Thailand last night after visiting Halong, Danang and Nha Trang cities.
Pham Phu Tron, director of Hanoi Toserco in HCMC, told the Daily that the Hanoi-based company and other travel firms now arranged package tours that cover cruises and holidays in Singapore and Hong Kong. (SGT)
Khanh Hoa lands $230 million beach resort
T&M Van Phong Investment and Tourist Joint Stock Co will build a beach resort and entertainment complex at a cost of VND3.72 trillion (US$230 million) in the Van Phong Economic Zone in the southern province of Khanh Hoa, pursuant to an investment licence granted by the zone’s management board on Monday.
The Hon Ngang-Bai Cat Tham project, on an area of 295ha of land and 160ha of water in Van Ninh District’s Van Thanh commune, would become the largest tourism development in the economic zone, said an official from the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.
"When completed, the complex is projected to attract 300,000 tourists a year," said T&M Van Phong Co director Nguyen Chi Thanh. "All technology and services in the complex will be modern but close to nature so that visitors can feel the natural atmosphere when coming to the complex."
The project would be built in three phases. During the first phase of 2008-10, a five-star ocean and mountain resort would be built with 250 rooms. The first phase would also include technical infrastructure, wharf and sea port. The cost for this first phase was estimated to be VND580 billion ($36 million).
Four other resort areas with 500 rooms were planned for the second phase through 2015, along with the Hon Tre entertainment complex. Total cost for this phase was estimated at more than VND1.2 trillion ($75 million).
The last phase was planned fo 2015-18 and would include construction of 150,000sq.m of leasable commercial space at a cost of nearly VND2 trillion.
"Designers and consultants for the project are experienced ones from international and domestic companies. We are now considering an international consultant for our specific design," said Thanh.
T&M Van Phong Co is a subsidiary of T&M Group. The company expects to employ local labourers in the construction of the project, Thanh said, and the finished project would provide long-term employment in the area. (VNS)
The Hon Ngang-Bai Cat Tham project, on an area of 295ha of land and 160ha of water in Van Ninh District’s Van Thanh commune, would become the largest tourism development in the economic zone, said an official from the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.
"When completed, the complex is projected to attract 300,000 tourists a year," said T&M Van Phong Co director Nguyen Chi Thanh. "All technology and services in the complex will be modern but close to nature so that visitors can feel the natural atmosphere when coming to the complex."
The project would be built in three phases. During the first phase of 2008-10, a five-star ocean and mountain resort would be built with 250 rooms. The first phase would also include technical infrastructure, wharf and sea port. The cost for this first phase was estimated to be VND580 billion ($36 million).
Four other resort areas with 500 rooms were planned for the second phase through 2015, along with the Hon Tre entertainment complex. Total cost for this phase was estimated at more than VND1.2 trillion ($75 million).
The last phase was planned fo 2015-18 and would include construction of 150,000sq.m of leasable commercial space at a cost of nearly VND2 trillion.
"Designers and consultants for the project are experienced ones from international and domestic companies. We are now considering an international consultant for our specific design," said Thanh.
T&M Van Phong Co is a subsidiary of T&M Group. The company expects to employ local labourers in the construction of the project, Thanh said, and the finished project would provide long-term employment in the area. (VNS)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hai Phong to upgrade airport
Cat Bi International Airport should be able to receive up to 2 million travellers and 17,000 million tonnes of cargo a year by 2015, according to new plans announced on Tuesday.
Vu Duy Mat, Head of Office of Cat Bi International Airport, confirmed yesterday with Viet Nam News that the airport is ready to launch the upgrade soon.
"We have prepared necessary procedures and resources to begin the upgrade in 2008," Mat said.
Decision 1857/QD – TTg, ratified by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, approved an investment of more than VND1,700 billion (US$106 million) for the upgrade, ongoing to 2015, with work continuing to 2025. The upgrade will be done in three phases, with an investment of VND960.8 billion ($60 million) from now until 2010, VND291.9 billion ($18 million) from 2010 – 2015 and VND451.9 billion ($28 million) until 2025.
Trinh Quang Su, Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee, highlighted the significance of the upgrades.
"The investment into Cat Bi international airport will open new opportunities for the city’s economic development," Su said.
"The upgraded airport, together with deep waterports in Lach Huyen District and Ha Noi - Hai Phong highway will create favourable conditions for tourism and economic development of not only Hai Phong but neighbouring provinces as well," Mat said.
The upgrade will bring the airport up to 4E international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and first level military airport standards, with the completed airport covering a total area of nearly 500 ha. From now to 2015, the airport’s landing and departing runways will be expanded to 3,050 by 50 metres, enough to receive Airbus A321 planes of around 180 seats and planes similar in size to the Boeing B767. The current landing space will be upgraded and eight parking locations will also be constructed.
The visiting area will be able to receive up to 800 visitors an hour while the new cargo station will have the capacity to handle 17,000 tonnes a year.
Plans for the visiting area include a commerce and service space covering 2,000sq.m in 2015 and expanding to 4,000sq.m in 2025. A food preparation area is also planned at 760sq.m by 2015, growing to 3,000sq.m in 2025.
By 2025, the airport will grow to handle B747 – 400 and B777 planes (of around 300 seats) or equivalent. During this phase the visiting station will be expanded to handle up to 1,400 visitors during peak hours while the cargo station should have a capacity of 82,000 tonnes a year.
Currently, Cat Bi International Airport handles three flights to HCM City per day. The Hai Phong - Macau flight, cancelled in 2007, should resume soon in 2008, according to Mat.
Last year, 1,142 planes passed through Cat Bi International Airport carrying 184,000 passengers, according to Vu Minh Khue, the airport’s director. Although the number of departing planes decreased over 2006 because of the cancelled Macau – Hai Phong flight, the number of passengers increased annually.
The occupancy rate of planes going through Hai Phong reached 87 per cent in 2007, an increase from 78 per cent in 2006.
Vu Duy Mat, Head of Office of Cat Bi International Airport, confirmed yesterday with Viet Nam News that the airport is ready to launch the upgrade soon.
"We have prepared necessary procedures and resources to begin the upgrade in 2008," Mat said.
Decision 1857/QD – TTg, ratified by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, approved an investment of more than VND1,700 billion (US$106 million) for the upgrade, ongoing to 2015, with work continuing to 2025. The upgrade will be done in three phases, with an investment of VND960.8 billion ($60 million) from now until 2010, VND291.9 billion ($18 million) from 2010 – 2015 and VND451.9 billion ($28 million) until 2025.
Trinh Quang Su, Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee, highlighted the significance of the upgrades.
"The investment into Cat Bi international airport will open new opportunities for the city’s economic development," Su said.
"The upgraded airport, together with deep waterports in Lach Huyen District and Ha Noi - Hai Phong highway will create favourable conditions for tourism and economic development of not only Hai Phong but neighbouring provinces as well," Mat said.
The upgrade will bring the airport up to 4E international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and first level military airport standards, with the completed airport covering a total area of nearly 500 ha. From now to 2015, the airport’s landing and departing runways will be expanded to 3,050 by 50 metres, enough to receive Airbus A321 planes of around 180 seats and planes similar in size to the Boeing B767. The current landing space will be upgraded and eight parking locations will also be constructed.
The visiting area will be able to receive up to 800 visitors an hour while the new cargo station will have the capacity to handle 17,000 tonnes a year.
Plans for the visiting area include a commerce and service space covering 2,000sq.m in 2015 and expanding to 4,000sq.m in 2025. A food preparation area is also planned at 760sq.m by 2015, growing to 3,000sq.m in 2025.
By 2025, the airport will grow to handle B747 – 400 and B777 planes (of around 300 seats) or equivalent. During this phase the visiting station will be expanded to handle up to 1,400 visitors during peak hours while the cargo station should have a capacity of 82,000 tonnes a year.
Currently, Cat Bi International Airport handles three flights to HCM City per day. The Hai Phong - Macau flight, cancelled in 2007, should resume soon in 2008, according to Mat.
Last year, 1,142 planes passed through Cat Bi International Airport carrying 184,000 passengers, according to Vu Minh Khue, the airport’s director. Although the number of departing planes decreased over 2006 because of the cancelled Macau – Hai Phong flight, the number of passengers increased annually.
The occupancy rate of planes going through Hai Phong reached 87 per cent in 2007, an increase from 78 per cent in 2006.
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