Saigon Tourism Corporation (Saigontourist), the biggest in Vietnam, operating over 100 companies, hotels, restaurants, tourist centres is ready for integration after WTO accession.
On November 7, 2006, Vietnam gained WTO membership. New opportunities are now open for the tourism sector in Vietnam: attracting more foreign tourists and learning modern managerial skill. However, it is also exposed to the competition of multi-national tourist groups.
According to Mr Nguyen Huu Tho, Director General of Saigontourist, it the best chance for Vietnamese tourist companies to heighten their positions. For its part, Saigontourist will focus on the improvement of managerial skills, tourist products and services to develop its trademark in the competition with international partners and groups. Vietnamese trademarks can be upgraded on the foundation of national value, assets and strength. For instance, the comparative edge in traditional culture can be developed into highly competitive and attractive products to foreign tourists.
In preparation for WTO admission, Saigontourist in the past years have developed technical infrastructure, diversified and upgraded tourist products, especially those related to traditional culture. They have improved services and increased marketing and promotion activities in the world market.
Saigontourist has also developed other forms of tourism such as eco-tourism, sea-tourism, resort, MICE combined with cultural festivals and activities to offer tourists with longer interesting stay and reasonable expenses.
In the coming years, Saigontourist will continue its intensive investment in hotels, tourist centres and travel business. Hotel rooms will be increased in Ho Chi Minh City centre. Grand Hotel, Rex, Majestic, Kim Do, Continental will be expanded and upgraded to five-star, including those in Hanoi. Operations have been started in National Historical and Cultural Park, Saigon Quang Binh Hotel, Saigon Kim Lien Resort, Saigon Ninh Chu tourist centre and to be followed by Saigon Con Dao, Saigon Phu Yen, Saigon Dalat, Saigon Vinh Long, International Exhibition and Fair Centre (District 7, HCMC), Office Building 34 Ton Duc Thang (District 1), Saigon Golf Course (District 9).
Saigontourist also plans to develop Bai Dai tourist centre (Cam Ranh), Phu Quoc high class tourist centre (209 hectares), Sapa tourist centre and Eden Commercial Centre.
Another important business strategy of Saigontourist is in financial investment. Saigontourist has given timely guidance to its joint stock companies in all parts of Vietnam, increased investments in Saigon Industry and Commerce Bank, Exim Bank, Phuong Dong Bank, Pacific Airlines, South Saigon Development Company and buying stocks at international investment funds. In fact, Saigontourist is preparing for the listing on the stock market in compliance with the guidance of the Prime Minister and the regional and world economic developments.
Saigontourist has also participated actively and increased its image on the occasion of APEC Vietnam 2006 with sponsorship and logistics for related conferences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Anh Dao
Vietnamese
