The International Sailing Regatta 2006, which is scheduled to kick off in the central Danang city for late this month might be postponed due to the absence of financial sponsorship, a local official said.
Under the initial plan that is approved by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, the race will take place in Danang, and will comprise of three legs, one around Danang Bay, the next from Danang to Cham Island and the last from Danang to Son Tra Peninsula.
However, Danatour and GMI Overseas INC (Goodman Marine International) of Singapore, the foreign partner has failed to prove its capacity to call financial sponsors and to lure racing yachts from international clubs for the event.
"In the deal, we [Vietnamese partner] are responsible for logistic services for the race while Goodman Marine is obliged to seek sponsors for the race. So, given the difficult situation, we will cancel the race," the official explained.
He also added that the foreign partner said they wanted to delay the race until late of next month. The city's tourism authorities will have to consult the city government about this proposal, and a final decision will likely come out late this week.
The event is a good chance to promote tourism and this kind of sea sport in Danang Beach, one of the "World's Most Luxurious Beaches" ranked by Forbes magazine, the organizers said, adding that they have expected to make the race annually.
In a related development, another international sailing boat race from Hong Kong to Nha Trang, to be organized by Saigontourist Holding Company and the Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club, will take place from October 25 to November 1 as scheduled.
Danang welcomed nearly 542,000 tourists in the first seven months of this year, up 27.9 per cent year-on-year, and nearly 142,000 of them were foreigners. Tourism revenue in the city amounted to VND291 billion (US$18.3 million), up 18.3 per cent year-on-year.
SGT
Vietnamese
