Friday, November 16, 2012

FRA claims Timber demand in Brazil is Growing

There has been a marked increase in the demand for timber in Brazil, driving up local timber prices, according to FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, November 17, 2012 - There has been a marked increase in the demand for timber in Brazil, driving up local timber prices, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

The research and analysis consultancy was responding to the recent figures published by Wood Resources Quarterly. The figures show that the investment in housing and infrastructure in Brazil is resulting in major growth in the timber industry, with more and more timber being required for construction, energy and charcoal purposes.

In addition to the local demand, the fact that the Brazilian real has been losing value has meant that Brazil’s own timber and timber products are growing in popularity abroad, leading to more exportation of Brazilian-sourced timber.

“The vital part in all of this,” claims FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, “is that the timber being used at home and exported abroad is sustainably sourced.

"It would be a tragedy if the demand led to more deforestation in the Amazon, for example."

FRA is now calling for more investment in Brazilian plantation projects, such as those run by Greenwood Management, which manages fast-growing, non-native species of tree in sustainable forestry plantations for use in construction and charcoal production.

What’s more, those who invest in this type of plantation will see healthy returns as demand for timber increases and prices grow in response. Although the price being paid for timber and products like Pulpwood are coming down from a US dollar perspective, the real’s value has dropped, which means the prices being paid locally are actually increasing significantly and have been for some time.

“It’s a great time to invest in managed forestry in Brazil," claimed Mr Collins. He added, “market conditions are looking strong and for alternative investors, timber offers a prefect mix of returns on investment and ethical credentials, which makes it an attractive choice for many following the economic crisis."

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Vietnam's First Luxury Tour Operator has a Successful Show at WTM London 2012

Luxury Travel Vietnam Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has a Successful World Travel Market London 2012

Hanoi, Vietnam, November 15, 2012 - Pham Ha, CEO and founder of Luxury Travel Ltd. held high level meetings with representatives of a large number of companies and the leaders of the luxury tourism industry.

“There are many tour operators and travel agents who are interested in our award winning luxury tour operations and who are looking for new luxury travel products in Vietnam thanks to new direct flights and huge demand from British travelers. Vietnam is getting more and more popular in the UK and Ireland markets and we have many new contracts and accounts. We are seeing particular demand for Myanmar and the biggest growth is expected for this country, which is becoming more popular in the UK due to political changes and new developments. Further, this year again, Luxury Travel is an official supporter of Responsible Tourism Day at WTM” said Pham Ha.

He stressed that the UK market is very important to the company and that it is seeking to dominate this market with more staff and increasing the number of private small groups that it serves. This will be primarily through tailor-made holidays via the sales office based in London, as well as the launch of a new website (www.luxury-travels.co.uk)aimed solely at British holiday makers.

“British holidaymakers like custom and private tours, not big groups. The boom in demand suggests that holidaymakers are becoming increasingly canny and watching exchange rates as well as seeking out keenly-priced packages before deciding on their destination. ” he said.

With its natural attractions, high end services, luxury hotels and resorts, and an impressive convention center, Vietnam is set to receive the adventure, leisure or business traveler

According to this luxury tour operator, UK visitor numbers into Indochina are constantly growing. Luxury Travel handled around one per cent of the 80,000 or so British visitors to Vietnam last year, a 68 percent increase over 2011.

Britain’s tourists, according to Ha, picked Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity, warm weather, and convenient direct flights.

Britons traveling to Vietnam are looking for a more authentic experiences and seek to have a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, food, history and everyday life. While Thailand is geared more toward mass market tourism, Vietnam is a destination that is attractive to a more selective class of travelers.

Luxury Travel Ltd.’s booking record indicates that British travelers prefer cultural experiences and beach extensions, while many also combine Vietnam and Cambodia or Myanmar into one trip.

Pham Ha said the company earned 23 billion dong (US$1.1 million) in revenue last year, a 30 percent increase over 2011.

“We expect another 30 per cent growth this year, and to reach 35 billion dong or (USD 1.64 Million) in 2013 for the UK market” added Ha

He confirmed that his representative office in London and sales and marketing team will expand its stand and come back to WTM 2013.

Vietnam-based Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is a long established Asian specialist in the art of travel and serves today’s most sophisticated travelers with luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel excels in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler’s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent award: “Best Luxury Tour Operator”. www.facebook.com/luxurytravelcompany

Contact:
Linh Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
marketing12@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com