Travel Agent - January 21, 2008 - (Page 24) DESTINATIONS PACIFIC/ASIA VIETNAM Guest room at Sofitel Dalat Palace, built in the colonial era THERE’S A PALPABLE EXCITEMENT in the air when people talk about Vietnam’s potential for tourism. Although the Vietnam War hasn’t faded from memory, more and more people are considering a vacation there, and the country is responding with new tourist-oriented projects. Vietnam is investing capital in the coastal regions and is getting high marks for the quality of its upscale beach resorts and golf courses. U.S. travelers returning from a visit there often remark about the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. 24 | TravelAgent January 21, 2008 These three hotels will wow clients visiting this Southeast Asian country Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism reports investments in construction of a number of resorts and luxury hotels, including a $200 million hotel, the Vina Capital Square, in Da Nang. Mekong Delta provinces will see significant tourist investment, as they’re the focus for the country’s National Tourism Year 2008. BY MARK ROGERS In 2006, 3.56 million travelers visited Vietnam, an increase of 3.7 percent over 2005. The country is experiencing the fastest economic growth of any nation in Southeast Asia. Last summer, Vietnam launched the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail (www.hochiminhgolftrail. com), which assembles Vietnam’s best golf- http://www.hochiminhgolftrail.com http://www.hochiminhgolftrail.com
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