Vietnam Breaking News

“Pau Plau” Day Cake

“Pau Plau” Day Cake
<div><em>Day Cake is a popular type of cake that can be found all over Vietnam, but the Day Cake called “Pau Plau” in Lao Cai is quite a unique dish.</em>
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<p>It is made solely of rice, but its deliciousness has been tested and acknowledged by many travelers who have been to Lao Cai.</p>
<p>This is an especially demanding process as the cook has to grind and apply oil into the mixture of glutinous rice at the same time. </p>
<p>After the glutinous rice reaches the right degree of stickiness, it is cut into smaller pieces and can be eaten right away!</p>
<p>When eating, you can heat them again or put them into a pan and fry until they get the yummy yellow color. </p>
<p>Day cake is a tasty dish, but it would be even more delicious if you eat it with a sprinkle of sugar. </p>
<p>You will then realize that each bite of the soft “Pau Plau” Day Cake carries the delectable scent and taste of a mountainous land.</p>
<p><em>Nhan Dan</em></p>
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“Pau Plau” Day Cake Related image(s)<br />
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“Pau Plau” Day Cake

“Pau Plau” Day Cake Day Cake is a popular type of cake that can be found all over Vietnam, but the Day Cake called “Pau Plau” in Lao Cai is ...

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Further improving tourism business environment

Further improving tourism business environment
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<p><em>Citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy will enjoy visa exemptions for the next three years, from the beginning of July, 2018. The policy and tourist promotion activities create incentives for businesses to work on longer-term market expansion plans, contributing to improving the tourism business environment.</em></p>
<p><strong>Knots in tourism growth gradually loosened</strong></p>
<p>Vietnam first offered visa waivers to citizens from the five European countries in July 2015 and decided to extend the policy after it expired at the end of June.</p>
<p>According to a study by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on the impact of visa exemptions in ASEAN countries, the number of tourists increased by 3% to 5.1%. At the same time, the number of direct jobs in the tourism industry will increase from 1.6% to 3.1%.</p>
<p>The number of visitors from Western European markets to Vietnam reached nearly one million tourists per year. The Western European market is considered a desirable tourist market with a stable economy and high-spending, long-stay visitors. Over the last three years, the number of tourists from Western European markets grew steadily by more than 10%. The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has also conducted separate studies on the impact of visa exemptions for visitors from UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. Specifically, Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption makes a breakthrough, helping increase the number of tourists from these markets by 10.1%.</p>
<p>The visa exemption policy was considered one of the knots hindering the development of tourism. However, the policy has contributed to increase the number of direct and indirect jobs in tourism, increase revenue from tourism. In addition, it will also help to develop the economy because the investors and traders from developed countries will have easier access to the Vietnamese market.</p>
<p>According to Hoang Nhan Chinh, Director of the Travel Advisory Board (TAB) Secretariat, for tourists, the visa fee is not so important, but the maximum advantage of visa processing is important. Meanwhile, for the travel industry, the visa-free policies will create an impetus to develop the tourism industry as an effective tool to attract high-quality tourists from high-spending tourism markets.</p>
<p><strong>Take initiative in developing a business plan</strong></p>
<p>In March, 2018, in a letter from the Tourism Advisory Council and the Private Sector Development Research Board (abbreviated as IV Board) to the Prime Minister on proposing a visa-exemption policy for international visitors to Vietnam, the private sector has committed itself to working with the Government to promote tourism as a key economic sector, contributing to an overall increase in tourism growth of 15%, only countries applying visa-exemption policies at 7% to 10%. At the same time, the private sector will contribute to increasing the export value from US$ 830 to more than US$ 1,000 per visitor.</p>
<p>In June, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) stepped up tourism promotion activities in four European cities, including Zurich (Switzerland), Vienna (Austria), Prague (Czech) and Budapest (Hungary), which are all new cities for Vietnam’s tourism market. Tran Trong Kien, member of the Private Sector Development Research Board (abbreviated as IV Board), Chairman of Thien Minh Group, said that extending the visa exemption for international visitors is a very good policy of the Government, in continuing to improve the business environment of Vietnam’s tourism it helps travel and airline businesses implement a longer term plan.</p>
<p>However, Chairman of Thien Minh Group Kien stressed that in order to secure 20 million international visitors by 2020, it is necessary to complete many other tasks such as promotion activities, environmental cleanup and infrastructure synchronisation. Along with the relaxation of visa policy, it is necessary to simplify the visa policy at the border and create a more favorable process for travelers with a transit visa to experience Vietnam for 72 hours or 48 hours without a visa, and attract them to return for a longer stay.</p>
<p><em>Nhan Dan</em></p>
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Further improving tourism business environment Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Further improving tourism business environment

Further improving tourism business environment Citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy will enjoy visa exemptions for the n...

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Tourism foundations in place

Tourism foundations in place
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<p><em>Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), spoke with VET’s Ngoc Lan about Vietnam’s tourism sector.</em></p>
<p>■ Has Vietnam’s tourism sector been growing in 2018?</p>
<p>Vietnam’s tourism sector welcomed nearly 8 million international tourists in the first six months of this year, up 27.2 per cent year-on-year, and catered to nearly 43 million domestic tourists. Total revenue reached VND312 trillion ($13.4 billion), up 22.5 per cent over the same period of 2017.</p>
<p>The sector targets welcoming 15-17 million international tourists this year, up 25 per cent compared with 2017, and catering to 80 million domestic tourists, an increase of 9 per cent compared to 2016. Total revenue from tourism is to reach VND620 trillion ($26.68 billion), an increase of 21 per cent.</p>
<p>With the results posted in the first six months and the foundation built over the last few years, I believe the tourism sector can achieve or even exceed the targets set for the year.</p>
<p>■ Online travel services are becoming increasingly popular among tourists. What are your thoughts on this trend?</p>
<p>Online travel is an inevitable trend and continually developing. Online travel platforms from around the world and from Vietnam are popular in the country, especially in accommodation and travel, such as Airbnb, Agoda, Booking, Gotadi, Ivivu, Traveloka, Trivago, Vntrip and others.</p>
<p>The rapid development of online travel platforms presents many benefits but also poses problems for regulators. In terms of benefits, these platforms are likely to attract and serve more tourists by increasing the number of rooms and providing different experiences. The platforms also have more promotional opportunities due to larger numbers of products being introduced to the market. E-commerce exchanges also provide more choices to travelers, increasing competition in accommodation and services at a destination. </p>
<p>A number of issues, however, such as unfair competition between homestays on online exchanges and traditional accommodation models such as hotels have not been closely managed. The issue of tax collection from homestays is also not strictly controlled. Other matters, such as service quality, security, and safety also become more pressing when new forms of services are not regulated by law.</p>
<p>■ What are some of the characteristics of foreign investment in the tourism sector at this time compared to previously?</p>
<p>Differences include the higher requirements in international standards for high-end segments and the coming together of famous foreign investors or brands and domestic investors. Vietnam’s tourism sector has basically gone through development in breadth, and now focuses on high-spending tourists and on beach, mountain and golf resorts as well as Meeting – Incentives – Conventions – Exhibitions (MICE).</p>
<p>We see leading hotel management groups in Vietnam, such as Accor with its Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, and Mercure brands, and IHG with InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Melia. Famous hotels are often affiliated with international brands.</p>
<p>With the presence of famous brands from around the world, the image and prestige of Vietnam’s tourism sector has fundamentally changed, positioning the country as a high-quality tourist destination. The sector received a range of international awards in 2017, including “The most attractive golf destination in the Asia Pacific in 2017” in the 2017 Asia Golf Awards online poll and “Emerging destination for luxury travel” from the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association.</p>
<p>■ Visa policies are considered an important factor in attracting tourists. What has VNAT proposed to the government in this regard?</p>
<p>Simplifying and facilitating visa procedures are the most important factors in attracting international tourists and express a country’s openness and hospitality. VNAT has recently advised the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and related ministries and sectors, to continue creating favorable conditions in visa procedures.</p>
<p>Proposals in recent times have been to gradually expand the list of countries subject to visa exemptions and electronic visas, extend the duration of stays for tourists with visa exemptions, remove the stipulation that foreigners with visa exemptions must remain outside of Vietnam for at least 30 days before returning, and introduce additional favorable conditions for visa issuance at border gates.</p>
<p>■ VNAT has recently organized many programs and events, such as introducing Vietnam’s tourism in South Korea and Europe. What do these aim to achieve?</p>
<p>This is part of promotional activities held within the framework of the National Tourism Promotion Program 2018. The goal is to maintain growth in tourist numbers, especially in target markets like South Korea and Europe.</p>
<p>The number of South Korean visitors increased by a record 56 per cent in 2017, to more than 2.4 million. The figure is double the 1.1 million South Koreans who visited in 2015. Maintaining growth momentum in this market plays an important role in the overall growth in international tourists in the future. The number of South Korean tourists also reached a record of over 1.7 million in the first half of this year, up 60 per cent over the same period last year.</p>
<p>Europe is a unique market segment with high-spending travelers who stay for long periods. European visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 1.9 million last year, an increase of 30 per cent against 2016. We recognize that the European market has significant potential. The number of visitors from the continent remains relatively low and more promotional activities are needed, with any growth contributing to the diversification of markets.</p>
<p>■ How can the goals for Vietnam’s tourism sector this year be achieved?</p>
<p>To achieve the goals mentioned above, the tourism sector should focus on the following tasks. First, implement solutions to maintain growth momentum, focusing on promotional activities, the development of tourism products, public-private partnerships, and the linking of branches, sectors and localities in tourism development. The second is to accelerate the implementation of Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW on tourism development, making the sector a spearhead economic sector, and bring the Law on Tourism 2017 into life.</p>
<p>The third is to strengthen State management of tourism, focusing on destination management, the tourism business, tourism services, tour guides, and other tourism human resources. The fourth is successfully hosting major tourism events, including the 2018 National Tourism Year – Ha Long – Quang Ninh and the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 (ATF), as well as conducting promotional campaigns in North America, Australia, and elsewhere.</p>
<p>■ What will be the difficulties and challenges for the tourism sector in the years to come?</p>
<p>It is necessary to address basic issues considered “bottlenecks” in the local tourism sector. </p>
<p>Firstly, visa policies are limited compared to Vietnam’s tourism competitors. The Global Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 put Vietnam at 116th regarding visa requirements; the lowest among ASEAN countries. Indonesia ranked second, Cambodia fifth, Singapore 16th, Laos 18th, Thailand 21st, Malaysia 25th, and the Philippines 41st.</p>
<p>Secondly, in terms of aviation, many of Vietnam’s airports are overloaded and not fully catering to tourists, especially Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Only a few airlines are permitted to exploit the domestic market, so the competitive environment is limited and not helping the local tourism sector, while direct routes to international destinations are few.</p>
<p>Thirdly, although great efforts have been made in promotional activities, their effect has been short of expectations, due to limited resources and a lack of cohesion among overseas Vietnamese agencies, organizations and enterprises. </p>
<p>Fourth, the management of destinations, the environment, food safety, and traffic safety remain inadequate. Many localities have not really addressed issues relating to their tourism environment.</p>
<p>Fifthly, there are weaknesses in the tourism sector, especially relating to illegal tourist businesses and illegal tourist guides, while the quantity and quality of human resources are yet to meet requirements. Services are also inconsistent with international standards and quality control is ineffective.</p>
<p><em>VN Economic Times</em></p>
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Tourism foundations in place Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Tourism foundations in place

Tourism foundations in place Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), spoke with VET...

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A visit to Phung Xa weaving village

A visit to Phung Xa weaving village
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<p>Since 1929, the village has been renowned for its traditional scarf and towel weaving. Its high quality products are diverse in designs and colors.</p>
<p>Recently, the replacement of old looms with modern weaving machines by local workshops has increased the productivity by three to four times.</p>
<p>Today, the village’s products have had its presence in not only Vietnam, but also in hard-to-please foreign markets, such as the US, Japan and the Republic of Korea.</p>
<p>Here are some photos of activities in Phung Xa weaving village.</p>
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<td>Phung Xa villagers breeding silkworm for silk</td>
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<td>Using modern machines to weave towels and scarves</td>
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<td>Foreign tourists selecting products of Phung Xa weaving village</td>
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<p><em><strong>Translated by Song Anh</strong></em></p>
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A visit to Phung Xa weaving village Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

A visit to Phung Xa weaving village

A visit to Phung Xa weaving village Since 1929, the village has been renowned for its traditional scarf and towel weaving. Its high qualit...

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Vietjet to open three new Japan routes this year

Vietjet to open three new Japan routes this year
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<p>In August, Vietjet Air added three new aircraft coded VN-A654, VN-A674 and VN-A698 to its modern fleet, all manufactured in Hamburg, Germany. The aircraft coded VN-A674 arrived at Ton Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of August 19. Earlier, Vietjet Vice President To Viet Thang welcomed a new Airbus A321 coded VN-A654 and a working delegation. Vietjet took delivery of an Airbus A321 coded VN-A698 at the same time. Vietjet has made great efforts to modernize its fleet, expand its network of routes, stabilize flying times, increase the on-time flight rate and offer the most comfortable and safest flights to their passengers.</p>
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Vietjet to open three new Japan routes this year Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />
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<p><em>In August, Vietjet Air added three new aircraft coded VN-A654, VN-A674 and VN-A698 to its modern fleet, all manufactured in Hamburg, Germany.</em></p>
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<p><em>The aircraft coded VN-A674 arrived at Ton Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of August 19.</em></p>
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<p><em>Earlier, Vietjet Vice President To Viet Thang welcomed a new Airbus A321 coded VN-A654 and a working delegation.</em></p>
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<p><em>Vietjet took delivery of an Airbus A321 coded VN-A698 at the same time.</em></p>
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<p><em>Vietjet has made great efforts to modernize its fleet, expand its network of routes, stabilize flying times, increase the on-time flight rate and offer the most comfortable and safest flights to their passengers.</em></p>
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Vietjet to open three new Japan routes this year

Vietjet to open three new Japan routes this year In August, Vietjet Air added three new aircraft coded VN-A654, VN-A674 and VN-A698 to its ...

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Railway ticket price discounted by 50% for early booking

Railway ticket price discounted by 50% for early booking
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<p>The promotion is applied on trips of more than 1,000km on the trains SE3/4, SE7/8, and SE21/22 on the Thong Nhat (North – South) route. The price cut is not available for passengers on air-conditioned four sleeper-seat cabins on trains SE3/4.</p>
<p>Tickets can be returned or exchanged 72 hours prior to the departure time. In the case of exchange, passengers will have to pay 20-50% of the ticket value, depending on the route.</p>
<p>Groups of over 10 passengers will have their ticket prices reduced by 6%-12%.</p>
<p>In addition, a reduction of 15% to 40% on ticket prices will be offered to tourist agencies participating in the tourism stimulus programmes for 2018 hosted by tourism associations of Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Binh Dinh and Quang Nam provinces.</p>
<p>The travel companies will receive an additional discount of 10% when they book tickets 30 days in advance for groups of more than 10 passengers.</p>
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Railway ticket price discounted by 50% for early booking Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Railway ticket price discounted by 50% for early booking

Railway ticket price discounted by 50% for early booking The promotion is applied on trips of more than 1,000km on the trains SE3/4, SE7/8,...

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Hi-tech agricultural based-tourism model to be implemented in Dong Thap

Hi-tech agricultural based-tourism model to be implemented in Dong Thap
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<p>Ecofarm has proposed to implement this project in Dong Thap province which covers an area of 10 hectares with total investment capital of up to VND 46billion.</p>
<p>The project is expected to implement from 2019 to 2022.</p>
<p>As per project, a hi-tech agri-tourism model will be built in accordance with Israeli standards; besides ecofarm will develop agri-tourism products to attract start-ups in the country.</p>
<p>Dong Thap province’s leader said the province assigned related departments to instruct ecofarm to implement this project on schedule.</p>
<p>VAN DUY – Translated by K.Lien</p>
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<h3>Tags:</h3>
<div><a>hi-tech agricultural based tourism model</a> <a>Israeli standards</a> <a>Dong Thap</a> <a>Mekong delta</a></div>
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Hi-tech agricultural based-tourism model to be implemented in Dong Thap Related image(s)<br />
<img height="200" src="http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png" width="200" /><br />

Hi-tech agricultural based-tourism model to be implemented in Dong Thap

Hi-tech agricultural based-tourism model to be implemented in Dong Thap Ecofarm has proposed to implement this project in Dong Thap provin...

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