Global Tourism Downturn
Vietnam Entry Blocked Due to COVID-19
Overseas First Branch Shilla Monogram Danang
"Considering Postponing Opening"... Reservations Unavailable
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Hotel Shilla's ambitious project, Shilla Monogram's first branch in Da Nang, Vietnam, has indefinitely postponed its opening due to the obstacle of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). With the global tourism market shrinking and the Vietnamese government imposing a complete ban on Korean nationals entering the country to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases, the decision was made to delay the schedule instead of a temporary closure.
A Hotel Shilla official stated on the 11th, "We are considering postponing the opening date of Shilla Monogram Da Nang from the original April 6," adding, "We aim to open within the first half of this year, but we will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and coordinate the schedule with our local partner, Tancong Group."
Shilla Monogram Da Nang, which was initially scheduled to begin operations as early as February this year, had planned a tentative opening on March 6 due to local circumstances. However, as the global COVID-19 situation has entered a prolonged phase, changes to the hotel operation schedule became inevitable. The Vietnamese government suspended visa-free entry for Korean nationals starting from the 29th of last month. Koreans entering with a visa are also required to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine, effectively banning entry. As of this date, 114 countries have restricted entry for visitors from Korea.
Accordingly, all accommodation reservations for Shilla Monogram Da Nang, which were possible from March 6, have been completely canceled. Currently, reservations are entirely unavailable. The special offer promotions provided to boost initial customer awareness are no longer available on the official website. Shilla Monogram had been selling special couple and family packages including two nights' accommodation, breakfast, and swimming pool access, valid from April 6 to June 30.
Preliminary customer impact is expected to be limited. A Hotel Shilla official said, "As the Vietnamese government implemented the ban on Korean nationals entering the country, a significant number of domestic customers canceled their reservations," and added, "We will explain the situation and seek understanding from some customers."
Shilla Monogram Da Nang is a hotel owned by Vietnam's Tancong Group, with Hotel Shilla entrusted to operate it under its own 'Shilla' brand for the first time. This model reduces risks associated with local hotel operations while leveraging Shilla's hotel management experience and know-how. In particular, Shilla Monogram Da Nang attracted attention as a forward base for targeting the global hotel market, led personally by President Lee Boo-jin. Positioned between the premium brand 'The Shilla' and the business hotel 'Shilla Stay,' it is known as a resort-type luxury hotel with about 300 rooms. In addition to standard rooms, it also offers various standalone villas. Meanwhile, Hotel Shilla plans to proceed with the scheduled opening of Shilla Stay Samsung in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 1st of next month.
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