Confirmed Miss Universe 2008 in Vietnam

Khanh Hoa province has officially given CIAT and Viet CEO approval to host Miss Universe 2008 in Nha Trang city next May,
said Vo Lam Phi, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee. According to Mr. Phi, the People’s Committee will ask the Prime Minister to instruct related ministries including the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Culture,
Sports and Tourism to cooperate with Khanh Hoa province in its efforts to upgrade infrastructure, especially Cam Ranh International airport, pior to the event.

At present, Nha Trang city has 6,000 hotel rooms rated from one to five stars, in addition to luxury hotels like Vinpearl, Sun Rise, Ana Mandara, and Evason Hideaway, basically meeting Miss Universe Organisation’s requirement for hotels.

The 5,000-seat water Vinpearl Stage, however, will need to be expanded and upgraded into a 7,500-seat one.
Mr. Phi said whether the 2008 Miss Universe contest would actually take place in Nha Trang or not would ultimately depend on involved parties’ financial abilities.
The initial amount requested by Miss Universe Organisation, US$15million,
will be paid by units other than Khanh Hoa province itself, said he. Miss Universe is the second-biggest international beauty pageant after Miss World.
Chairwoman Paula Mary Shugart conducted an investigation tour of Vietnam in August,
and shortly after responded with a letter saying Vietnam would be chosen to host the event after it fulfilled certain requirements.