Michael Jackson’s father invests in $2bn Happyland

Joe Jackson, the father of late pop superstar Michael Jackson, has lent his star billing to a $2 billion hotel-entertainment complex called “Happyland” in Vietnam.

Countries promote regional tourism initiative

The film is part of the national action programme in tourism and the national tourism promotion programme in 2010 initiated by Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay takes 2nd place in top 10 best boat journeys

“Bobbing on the emerald waters of Halong Bay and moving through its 3000-odd limestone islands is simply sublime. The tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with bird tunes.

Tips from frequent fliers

Assistant regional general counsel, British American Tobacco Up in the air: Two or three times a month Areas of travel: Asia Pacific particularly Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh. Also London, China and Australia.

Learning local culture with homestay holidays

Tourists who want to experience rural life in Vietnam first hand are increasingly turning to homestay holidays. Homestay holidays were not the brainchild of the director of a tourist agency. They came about due to a rising demand from foreign tourists, especially back packers, keen to get a glimpse of reality for Vietnamese ethnic groups.

International Tourism Conference opens in Hanoi

More than 300 senior tourist officials from 17 nations and territories in the Asia Pacific region have gathered in Hanoi for an International Tourism Conference which opened on May 10. The important event has been held for the first time in Vietnam by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Vietnam Airlines promotes Hanoi’s image in Australia

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and Secretary of the Ninh Binh provincial Party Committee Dinh Van Hung beat the drum and gong to open the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival 2010 on April 18 This year’s festival is to mark the 1,042 nd year since Dinh Bo Linh defeated 12 warlords to unite the country, made himself king and named the country Dai Co Viet as well as the 1,000 th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

More than 500,000 tourists enjoy Ha Long festival

More than 500,000 visitors flocked to the Ha Long Tourism Festival 2010, which was held from April 29-May 2 in the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. On this occasion, hotels and hostels in Ha Long city run at full capacity.