National Tourism Award for Furama Resort General Manager

 The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has awarded Paul Stoll, General Manager of the Furama Resort Danang, Vietnam the National Star Medal for contributions to the development of tourism in Vietnam. This is Mr. Stoll’s second tourism award. Last year he became the first foreign national ever to receive a Certificate of Merit from the VNAT once again in recognition of his untiring efforts to put Vietnam on the world tourism map.

Commenting on his award, Paul Stoll said, “I’m naturally very proud of this honour and particularly that efforts to develop the tourism industry are being recognised by the Government.”

The award comes at a time when the world’s travel industry is experiencing a downturn following the terrorist attack on New York on September 11, 2001 which has left the travel industry in a state of uncertainty.

Before the attacks, Vietnam’s hotel industry was beginning to recover from a difficult period, mainly due to the increased promotional activities by the VNAT which has increased visitor arrivals from 1.8 million in 1999 to 2.1 million in 2000 and by the end of 2001, Vietnam is expecting 2.3 million visitors.

Commenting on the difficult times ahead, Paul Stoll said: “There is a saying ”when the going gets tough, the smart get smarter”. In that spirit, we should promote Vietnam in co-operation with the VNAT as an exciting, safe and value for money destination and wish for a peaceful outcome of the war-threatening situation.”