US based hotel giant Marriott International Inc signed a management agreement with Viet Nam’s Bitexco to open a luxury branded hotel in Ha Noi in 2010.

The 450-room, nine-storey JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi will be the only hotel adjacent to the new, state-of-the-art National Convention Centre in the city’s Tu Liem District, about 7.5km west of the city centre.

Based on the city’s master plan through 2020, the US$130 million hotel will be surrounded by high-end residential apartments and townhouses, office buildings and recreational green space when it opens.

The Government selected Bitexco to be the investor for the project, said Vu Quang Hoi, chairman of the Binh Minh Import Export Production and Trade (Bitexco), describing the move as a huge responsibility.

Viet Nam ranked high in our strategic global expansion plans, said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging for Marriott.

"Despite the current global economic downturn, Viet Nam remained committed to long-term economic growth and to capitalising on its attractiveness as a tourism destination for visitors, especially from Asia, the US and Europe where our robust market presence will provide a strong sense of familiarity for those considering a visit to Viet Nam," he said.

"We are delighted that our highly acclaimed JW Marriott luxury brand was chosen for this significant project and we are looking forward to working with local tourism officials in helping to attract a broad base of incentive and meeting oriented travellers to Ha Noi" he said.

Source : VietNamNet/VNS