FURAMA RESORT SIGNS DEAL TO EXPAND

(Danang, Vietnam) – Hong Kong-based developer Lai Sun and the City Government of Danang have signed a contract to develop a 30 hectare site adjacent to the luxurious Furama Resort Danang, paving the way for a considerable expansion and upgrading of the resort and its facilities.

The new agreement will allow the 200-room property to double in size to 400 rooms and suites, as well as adding convention and meeting facilities and shops. In Phase One of the development, which commences this month, there will be new recreation facilities including a beachfront restaurant.

The 200-room Furama Resort opened in Spring 1997 as the first deluxe international resort in the central region of Vietnam. The Furama set unprecedented standards of accommodation, facilities and service for a growing number of international tourists attracted by the area’s fabulous beaches and diving sites, as well as its rich cultural heritage which boasts a number of the country’s major historical treasures such as the former imperial capital Hue, the ancient seaport of Hoi An and the Cham temple ruins at My Son – all three Unesco designated heritage sites.

Since then, the resort has gone from strength to strength, which has encouraged Thai Airways International to commence direct flights from Bangkok to Danang and Dragonair to operate charter services from Hong Kong. In April, Star Cruises will begin cruise services to Danang on a weekly basis operating a 2,800 passenger world class megaship. Already around 50 other cruise ships are scheduled to visit Danang during the year.

Because of the double digit international visitor arrival growth to Danang, Vietnam Airlines has also decided to operate three scheduled flights a day instead of two from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Danang.

“The Furama Resort is a success story which will continue into the new millennium,” said Paul Stoll, General Manager of the resort. “Since its opening in March 1997, the resort has been able to show a significant year on year improvement in results, which has encouraged the owners to invest further in the resort,” he explained.

There is also an understanding to develop an international standard golf course close to the Furama Resort which would open up another new dimension to the tourism development of Danang and Central Vietnam.

“No other destination has it all quite like Danang - an unspoilt environment, friendly people, an international airport, international direct flights, an excellent domestic flights schedule, three World Heritage sites and the Furama Resort on China Beach, in Danang,” said Paul Stoll.

The 200-room Furama Resort is superbly located on Vietnam’s famous China Beach – a 20 mile stretch of fine white sand, just 20 minutes’ drive south of the central city of Danang. This luxury resort offers world-class accommodation and facilities within two hours drive of the ancient seaport of Hoi An, the former imperial capital Hue and the ruins of the Cham civilization, the Holy Valley of My Son which are some of the country’s major historical sites.

The resort’s rooms and suites are tastefully furnished in a French-colonial style with ceiling fans, wide verandas and views of the ocean or tropical gardens and lagoon. Guests can enjoy a choice of international restaurants and bars, and a wide range of sports and leisure facilities with something to suit all ages. The Furama’s own “Diana Diving Base” is Vietnam’s only licensed diving centre offering classes for beginners as well as excursions to challenging new sites for the more skilled and adventurous diver. Other sporting activities include a tennis, mountain biking, golf driving range and a variety of water sports, beach games and fitness classes. The Furama also features terraced fresh-water pools overlooking the beach and a lagoon with whirlpools and basking pools. The health club offers a nautilus gym, steam, sauna and massage rooms.