From December 9th to 11th, an international conference on rural tourism organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will be held in Quang Nam, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Aiming to enhance the promotion of Vietnam’s image as a destination on the international stage and boost the development of agricultural tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will host the UNWTO International Conference on Rural Tourism.
A group of foreign teachers and students join a tour in Quang Nam. Photo: Nhan Tam
The conference is expected to attract around 300 domestic and international delegates, including leaders and officials from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, tourism ministries, national tourism agencies from UNWTO member countries, villages in the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages Network, international organizations, and tourism experts. experts.
Key activities of the event will include: the UNWTO International Conference on Rural Tourism, the 2nd Annual Meeting of the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages Network, and a tourism product inspection and survey program in Quang Nam province. Additionally, a cultural and tourism exhibition space will be organized to showcase Vietnam’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has just approved the 1/500 scale detailed plan for the Can Gio Coastal Tourism Urban Area, which includes four zones and is expected to welcome nearly 9 million visitors annually.
Perspective of Can Gio coastal urban tourism area. Photo: Can Gio District People’s Committee
The project will be implemented over an area of approximately 2,870 hectares, mainly focused on low-lying coastal land in Long Hoa commune and Can Thanh town, Can Gio district.
The Can Gio Coastal Tourism Urban Area is designed with the goal of developing a modern seaside urban tourism hub, including functional zones such as high-end resorts, entertainment areas, a smart city zone, and a high-tech service area.
The project aims to develop a variety of tourism products to attract about 8.8 million tourists annually. The population of the urban area will be widely distributed among the different zones, with a maximum population of 228,560 people. specifically, Zone A will accommodate about 59,027 people, Zone B around 75,000 people, Zone C about 41,364 people, and Zone D approximately 53,115 people.
The Can Gio Tourism Urban Development Corporation has been assigned the task of completing the detailed planning project, which includes planning phases such as conducting a pre-feasibility study report, developing detailed options, and submitting them for approval.
According to the plan, Zone A will cover an area of about 965.23 hectares, developed as an eco-residential area integrated with tourism services at the gateway to the Can Gio Coastal Tourism Urban Area.
Zone B, spanning approximately 659.87 hectares, will be developed into a modern urban area, combining residential spaces, tourism areas, public works, and green spaces.
Meanwhile, Zone C, covering an area of about 318.32 hectares, is planned as the financial, economic, and commercial service center of the project. Additionally, this zone will develop modern residential areas, including townhouses, villas, and high-rise apartments.
Zone D, with an area of about 480.46 hectares, will serve as the center of economic and service activities. Surrounding Zone D is Zone E, covering approximately 458.12 hectares, which will provide green spaces and technical infrastructure for the entire urban area.
From terraced rice fields to the Love Market, Sa Pa in Vietnam captivates Hong Kong tourists with its natural beauty and unique culture.
Sa Pa is one of the favorite destinations for domestic and foreign tourists because of its wild and majestic beauty. Photo: Blog of Rot.
Vietnam is a popular vacation destination for tourists from Hong Kong (China). It only takes a two-hour flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Hanoi, according to SCMP.
In addition to the capital city, Hong Kong visitors are also very eager to explore the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam, particularly Sa Pa in Lao Cai, located about a five-hour drive from Hanoi.
Situated at an elevation of about 1,600 meters (one mile) above sea level, Sa Pa town is considered difficult to access for most people, except for the local community.
In 1901, French colonists discovered the untouched beauty of Sa Pa. They invested in developing some infrastructure and turned it into an ideal summer resort. By 1905, trains began running between Hanoi and Lao Cai, attracting many tourists.
Terraced fields are a check-in spot not to be missed when coming to Sa Pa. Photo: Erika Na, Phuong Lan Ngo.
Since the opening of the Hanoi-Lao Cai Expressway in 2014, Sa Pa has experienced even more growth. Today, it is a bustling place with plenty of guesthouses, hotels, and high-end businesses serving international tourists.
Despite the commercialization, many villages in Sa Pa, such as Lao Chai and Ta Phin, have retained their unique traditional characteristics.
In these villages, the H’mong people often wear traditional dark-colored clothing with intricate embroidery, and their local language and customs are still preserved. They have a tradition of early marriage and having many children.
Nowadays, the Internet and smartphones have become convenient tools for locals to promote Sa Pa tourism. As a result, many homestays, local tour guides, and unique travel experiences have emerged. Additionally, luxury travelers tend to choose Sa Pa as a destination for relaxation and healing.
Recognizing the potential market, many investors have built luxury hotels in Sa Pa. Among them is Hotel de la Coupole – MGallery, a hotel designed by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley. Opened in 2019, this European-style accommodation attracts many visitors who stop to take photos.
Beyond the terraced rice fields, adventure seekers can opt to visit Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” standing at 3,147 meters. Previously, the only way to reach the summit was through a multi-day hike. However, since 2016, a cable car has been in operation, taking visitors to the top in just 20 minutes.
The largest bronze Amitabha Buddha statue in Vietnam, nearly 13 meters high, in Sa Pa. Photo: @hongwei88.
From the cable car, tourists can admire the panoramic view of the lush green terraced rice fields. Upon exiting the cable car, they are greeted by Vietnam’s largest bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, standing nearly 13 meters tall.
The people of Sa Pa often gather at the town square every Saturday evening to socialize at the so-called Love Market. Through music performances and games, young men and women have the opportunity to get to know each other, with the goal of finding a life partner.
Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, has ranked 16th on Time Out’s list of the 38 most wonderful neighborhoods in the world.
Thao Dien is also known as the “Western street” of Ho Chi Minh City because it has many international-style restaurants and shops. Photo: Phuong Lam
Recently, Time Out officially announced its list of the 38 most exciting neighborhoods globally.
The magazine’s global team of editors and writers directly consulted with experts and conducted on-site surveys to identify neighborhoods that met the criteria of being interesting and worth visiting.
The criteria included food, drink, art, culture, street atmosphere, community, and unique local characteristics.
As a result, 38 neighborhoods were selected as the best on the planet. Notably, Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, was named for the first time in this ranking, securing the 16th spot.
Thao Dien is located along the Saigon River, about 7-10 kilometers from the city center. Previously part of District 2, it is now part of Thu Duc City.
Time Out describes Thao Dien as a neighborhood with plenty of walkable, tree-lined streets, many restaurants, spas, and fashion boutiques. Thao Dien is highlighted as a hub of creativity, showcasing culinary, cultural, and artistic uniqueness.
In Thao Dien, there is Bakes, a creative French bakery with cakes that look like works of art. Tre Dining, a famous restaurant in the neighborhood recognized by Michelin, features a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. Tre’s dishes are rich in traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Beyond food and drinks, Thao Dien is also a shopping destination for local fashion brands and handicrafts. Particularly, visitors to the weekend market (open on Saturdays and Sundays) can find affordable clothes, accessories, books, and more.
Thao Dien neighborhood has many walking spaces, tree-lined streets, many restaurants, spas and fashion stores. Photo: Phuong Lam.
Time Out suggests that a perfect day in Thao Dien starts with salted coffee at Hue Cafe Roastery before enjoying a bowl of pho at Pho Bac Hai No. 1 Hanoi. After recharging, visitors can stroll down Xuan Thuy Street, then stop at Amaï to admire Vietnamese ceramics. Next, stop by Maison Marou for a cup of hot cocoa and some delicious chocolate made from Vietnamese cocoa beans.
For lunch, head to Dotori Dining, which serves Japanese-Korean cuisine, followed by a matcha-coconut drink at Cafe 1/4 next door. For shopping, visit OBJoff or Maverik Studio for street fashion. Afterward, relax with a Thai-style massage at Phaya Thai Spa.
End the day with a chic dinner at Madame Lam and enjoy a romantic evening at Xao Xac Bar.
Topping the list of the 38 best neighborhoods in the world is Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France. This neighborhood is known for its colorful cul-de-sacs, alleys filled with murals, banana trees, and spiral staircases descending from Cours Julien. Second on the list is Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco.
▸ Asia is represented by seven neighborhoods, including:
Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia (ranked 3rd);
Seongsu-dong in Seoul, South Korea (ranked 4th);
Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City (ranked 16th);
Ekkamai in Bangkok, Thailand (ranked 27th);
Kowloon in Hong Kong, China (ranked 33rd);
Orchard in Singapore (ranked 37th).
Earlier, in March 2024, Quang An Street in Tay Ho District, Hanoi, was also included by Time Out in the list of the 30 most beautiful streets in the world.
The company strengthens its bitcoin position with a strategic options sale, generating nearly 24 BTC ($1.44M) in premium.
Tokyo-listed bitcoin holder Metaplanet Inc. is now using bitcoin (BTC) options to boost its coin stash, diverging from its peer, the U.S.-listed Microstrategy’s debt-fueled accumulation strategy.
On Tuesday, Metaplanet announced the sale of 223 contracts of bitcoin put options at the $62,000 strike with a maturity date of Dec. 27. The transaction involved Singapore-based QCP Capital as the counterparty and generated a premium of 23.972 BTC ($1.44 million). CoinDesk reached out to QCP Capital for a comment.
Metaplanet posted $13.826 million as margin collateral, with each contract offering a 0.1075 BTC premium, which Metaplanet received upfront. The transaction resulted in a nominal yield of 10.75% and an annualized yield of 45.63%.
The $13.826 million of margin collateral came from the proceeds raised during Metaplanet’s eleventh stock acquisition rights exercise. The purpose of this collateral is to ensure Metaplanet can meet the transaction if the option is exercised.
Strategic selling of puts
Metaplanet will use the premium received by selling put options to purchase more bitcoin. The company’s total bitcoin holdings now stand at 530.717 BTC ($32 million).
A put option gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying asset at a preset price on or before a specific date. Metaplanet is a put seller, meaning it is obligated to buy BTC at the strike price of $62,000, even if prices are lower on the day of the expiry.
If bitcoin’s price drops below $62,000 by the maturity date, the buyer will likely exercise this option, forcing Metaplanet to buy 223 bitcoin at the higher strike price. Therefore Metaplanet’s bitcoin holdings would increase by 223 bitcoin, even if the market price by Dec. 27 is lower, however the premium partially offsets the spot price risk.
If bitcoin’s price is higher than $62,000 by Dec.27, the buyer is unlikely to exercise the option since they can sell bitcoin on the open market at a higher price. The option would therefore expire worthless, while Metaplanet keeps the 23.972 BTC premium as profit.
As Vietnam continues its rapid economic growth, more investors are turning to innovative trading methods to diversify their portfolios. One such method is CFD (Contract for Difference) trading, which allows traders to speculate on the price movements of various assets without owning the underlying asset. In recent years, platforms like Meta 5 have gained popularity among Vietnamese traders, offering advanced tools and access to global financial markets. This article explores the rise of CFD trading in Vietnam, how it works, and the opportunities it presents to both novice and experienced traders.
How CFD Trading Works
CFD trading enables investors to profit from the price fluctuations of assets such as stocks, commodities, forex, and indices. Rather than purchasing the actual asset, a trader enters into a contract with a broker, predicting whether the asset’s price will rise or fall. If the trader’s prediction is correct, they profit from the price difference; if incorrect, they incur a loss.
This flexibility allows traders to speculate on both rising and falling markets, making it an attractive option for those looking to profit in any market condition. Platforms like Meta 5 provide traders with a user-friendly interface and a variety of assets to trade, further fueling the growth of CFD trading in Vietnam.
Advantages of CFD Trading
One of the key advantages of CFD trading is leverage. Traders can control large positions with a relatively small investment. This means that even with a modest amount of capital, investors can access a larger market position and amplify their potential profits. However, leverage also increases risk, and traders must be cautious, as losses can be just as significant as gains.
Another advantage is the ability to trade a wide range of assets on a single platform. Whether you are interested in forex, commodities, or cryptocurrencies, CFD trading offers access to multiple markets, allowing for a diversified trading experience.
Risks and Challenges
While CFD trading offers exciting opportunities, it is not without its challenges. The use of leverage can amplify losses, which means traders need to employ risk management strategies to protect their capital. Volatility in global markets can also lead to sudden price changes, which may work against traders if they are not prepared.
In addition, CFD trading in Vietnam is relatively new compared to more traditional investment methods like stock trading or real estate. This means that while the market is growing, regulatory frameworks are still developing. It is crucial for traders to choose reliable and well-regulated platforms, such as Meta 5, to ensure a safe trading environment.
Conclusion
CFD trading presents an exciting opportunity for Vietnamese investors looking to tap into global markets. With platforms like Meta 5 offering advanced tools and access to various assets, traders can speculate on price movements and potentially earn significant profits. However, as with any form of trading, understanding the risks and employing effective strategies is crucial to long-term success. As the industry evolves, CFD trading is likely to play an increasingly important role in Vietnam’s investment landscape.
Vietnam Airlines announced changes to flights between Vietnam and Kaohsiung, Taipei (Taiwan, China), South Korea, and Japan from October 1 to 3. Flights from Kaohsiung to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City scheduled for October 2 have been canceled. Further updates on flights between Vietnam and these regions will be provided on October 2 and 3.
On October 1, Vietnam Airlines canceled flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kaohsiung. Additionally, routes and landing times for flights between Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and South Korea/Japan were altered.
Vietjet has taken precautions by loading extra fuel and reducing cargo for its flights from Hanoi to Tokyo and Fukuoka (Japan) and from Ho Chi Minh City to Busan (South Korea). The airline announced that starting from September 30, some flights to and from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan (China), South Korea, and Japan may be affected and subject to schedule adjustments.
Passengers are advised to monitor updates on the typhoon and adjust their travel plans accordingly. Any weather-related changes will be communicated via airline fan pages, websites, or through phone calls and emails linked to customers’ bookings.
In Taiwan (China), airports have been shut down, and numerous flights between cities hit hardest by Typhoon Krathon have been canceled. According to Reuters, at least 246 international flights to and from the island were canceled on October 2. Several airlines have also suspended flights between Hong Kong and Taiwan (China) from October 1 to 4.
As of now, domestic flights and the Shinkansen high-speed trains in Japan’s Kanto region have not been affected by the storm.
Typhoon Krathon, with sustained winds of 173 km/h and gusts reaching 209 km/h, is expected to make landfall in the port city of Kaohsiung (Taiwan, China) early on October 3. The storm has already brought heavy rain and strong winds to Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan (China).
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting in Vietnam has stated that Typhoon Krathon is unlikely to affect Vietnam’s coastal or mainland regions.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated after Israel launched its first military operation in nearly 20 years against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. The conflict has intensified over the past week with ongoing airstrikes between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly after Israel initiated a limited ground campaign into Lebanon on October 1.
Amid the rising threat of further conflict, including potential missile attacks from Iran, the Vietnam Embassy in Israel has advised all Vietnamese citizens to remain vigilant.
To ensure the safety of people and property, the embassy urges the Vietnamese community in Israel to strictly follow local security and safety regulations, avoid large gatherings, and stay close to areas with shelters. Citizens are encouraged to prepare personal security plans for themselves and their families during the ongoing conflict. Additionally, they should regularly monitor reliable news outlets for updates on the situation in Israel and avoid high-risk areas, including government buildings, military zones, and fuel storage facilities.
The embassy also encourages citizens to maintain regular contact and, in emergencies, seek assistance through the Vietnam Embassy’s emergency hotline in Israel.
The outflows snapped an eight-day winning streak as BTC lost as much as 6% amid an acute heightening of tensions in the Middle East.
Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. saw outflows of $242.6 million on Tuesday in their worst day since Sept. 3, according to data from SoSoValue.
The outflows snapped an eight-day streak of inflows as BTC lost as much as 6% amid an acute sharpening of tensions in the Middle East that saw Iran fire around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday. The strike followed Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah, designated a terror group by more than 60 jurisdictions including the U.S., European Union and Arab League, in Lebanon in recent weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate.
Bitcoin fell to a low of $60,300, erasing almost all of its gains since the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cut last month, signaling an inauspicious start to “Uptober,” the community’s affectionate name for the calendar month that has historically seen the highest gains for BTC. The largest cryptocurrency has lost 2.6% since the start of the month, CoinDesk Indices data show.
Ether ETFs also suffered on Tuesday with outflows of $48.5 million, the worst day since Sept. 23.
The initiative created digital versions of gilts, eurobonds and gold on the Canton Network to test complex financial transactions on blockchain rails.
Real-world asset tokenization company Digital Asset said Tuesday that it completed a pilot initiative to tokenize U.K. bonds (gilts), Eurobonds, and gold for financial transactions using the Canton Network protocol.
Major securities settlement provider Euroclear, the World Gold Council and global law firm Clifford Chance also participated in the process, alongside with other banks, investors, custodians and a central securities depository, the press release said.
Tokenization refers to the process of converting real-world assets (RWA) such as bonds, real estate, or commodities like gold into digital tokens on blockchain rails. These tokens represent ownership or control over the asset, allowing it to be traded more easily and quickly in a digital format, while still preserving the value of the underlying property. Reports by Boston Consulting Group and 21Shares forecast over $10 trillion of tokenized assets by the end of the decade in their optimistic scenarios, while McKinsey predicted $2 trillion by then in its base case.
In the case of this pilot, which ran between June and July, the project created digital representations of gilts, Eurobonds, and gold to be used as collateral with greater transparency, faster transfers and around-the-clock, near-instantaneous settlements between parties, without the delays associated with traditional financial rails.
“Our work with the pilot participants has demonstrated that tokenized assets can be used with immediate effect to meet intraday margin calls outside of normal settlement cycles, processing times, and time zones,” said Kelly Mathieson, chief business development officer at Digital Asset. It also demonstrated how the ledger can serve as the legal record and has validated the secured party’s control over the digital twin and real-world assets received as margin or collateral in the event of a counterparty default.”
Tokenized gold also offered notable benefits, said Mike Oswin, global head of market structure and innovation at the World Gold Council. By converting physical gold into “Standard Gold Units” (SGU), the pilot demonstrated how the precious metal can be used more seamlessly as collateral asset in financial transactions.
“This removes traditional barriers like storage limitations,” said Mike Oswin, global head of market structure and innovation at The World Gold Council.
High-speed ferries transporting passengers to and from Con Dao will temporarily change their docking point to Ben Dam Port (about 15 km from the center), instead of Con Dao Passenger Port.
Tourists arriving in Con Dao will be dropped off at Ben Dam Port instead of Con Dao Passenger Port as before. Photo: Linh Huynh.
Speaking to Tri Thuc – Znews, representatives from Phu Quoc Express and Superdong, the two companies providing passenger transport to Con Dao, confirmed that the pickup and drop-off point in the district will temporarily move to Ben Dam Port, located approximately 15 km from the center.
Con Dao Passenger Port, which began operations in April 2023, will temporarily stop receiving passengers for maintenance and to avoid the unpredictable weather conditions toward the end of the year. This change will be in effect starting from October 1.
According to the Ben Dam Port Management Board, maintenance is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Con Dao Passenger Port reduces the travel distance to the city center compared to Ben Dam Port (Zone 10). However, because it is located near the district center, it is more affected by the weather. Therefore, regular annual maintenance is required, ” a representative explained.
Moreover, from November to February, Con Dao experiences its monsoon season, characterized by strong winds, rough seas, and limited sunshine. Moving the docking location ensures the safety of tourists.
Tourists can use the high-speed ferry or taxi, bus… to get to the center of Con Dao. Photo: Linh Huynh.
However, at Ben Dam Port, visitors will need to use additional transportation, such as taxis or buses, to travel to and from the district center.
The weather in Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province) is divided into three distinct seasons. From March to May, the island experiences ideal conditions for outdoor activities, making it the peak tourism season.
Next is the turtle nesting season, which lasts from April through October. The local authorities have capitalized on this by offering tours to observe turtles laying eggs and participate in sea turtle conservation efforts, one of Con Dao’s unique experiences.
Finally, the monsoon season begins from November and lasts until February of the following year.
In a previous interview with Tri Thuc – Znews, Mrs. Tran Thi Hoai Thu, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Con Dao District, mentioned that with such specific weather patterns, the local tourism industry tends to focus on promoting travel during the first few months of the year.
However, towards the end of the year, Con Dao sees fewer visitors, offering the island a return to its serene and pristine state.
The leading American travel magazine Travel+Leisure recently published an article praising Phu Quoc as a “rising star” among the world’s most beautiful islands.
In the article published on September 23, Travel+Leisure stated that “the irresistible charm of Phu Quoc has turned it into one of the most precious hidden gems in Southeast Asia.”
Screenshot of the article
Dubbed the “Sunshine Paradise,” Phu Quoc’s southern island area has surpassed famous destinations in the region, such as Phuket (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia), to become the second most beautiful island in the world, only behind the Maldives, as recognized in Travel+Leisure’s 2024 The World’s Best Awards.
With its soft white sands and emerald green waters, Bai Kem beach was praised by the prestigious magazine as a must-visit destination and a “symbol of luxury” on the island, hosting some of the region’s top resorts.
In addition to its luxury resorts, Phu Quoc also impresses visitors with its unique attractions and outdoor adventures. Tourists can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, kayaking, and explore the island’s rich marine ecosystem.
Travel+Leisure emphasized: “As the hot summer months and rainy season pass, Phu Quoc enters its most beautiful time of the year, with stable temperatures around 30°C, perfect for all sightseeing and exploration activities.”
Phu Quoc is applying a visa exemption policy of up to 30 days for foreign tourists. Photo: Agoda
Notably, Phu Quoc’s visa-free policy for up to 30 days is seen as a “significant boost” in attracting more foreign tourists to the “Pearl Island.” This is an advantage that few other destinations in the region or around the world can offer.
The tourist submarine service in Nha Trang Bay has been granted an extension for its pilot operation until March 30, 2025, pending the finalization of related legal regulations.
On September 28, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed and issued document No. 724/TTg-CN, extending the pilot period of the tourist submarine service in Nha Trang Bay (Khanh Hoa Province) to allow more time for the completion of relevant legal regulations. According to a proposal by the Ministry of Transport, the pilot period will be extended until March 30, 2025, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
The Deputy Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province, Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, and related agencies with overseeing the management of submarine service operations in Nha Trang Bay. These operations must comply with current regulations on security, national defense, and relevant laws.
Vinpearl Joint Stock Company and related agencies are required to ensure safety measures, prevent accidents, conduct rescue operations, and bear legal responsibility if any safety issues occur during the submarine service activities in Nha Trang Bay.
The Ministry of Transport will closely coordinate with the Government Office during the process of drafting and submitting legal documents related to submarine service activities for approval.
The tourist submarine service in Nha Trang Bay was initially approved in principle by the Prime Minister in document No. 1505/TTg-CN in 2020.
The Ministry of Transport is currently leading the process of drafting a decree to amend and supplement certain provisions of Decree No. 58/2017/ND-CP, including the management of tourist submarines operating in Vietnamese seaport waters. This draft decree has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for review.
As such, the Ministry of Transport has requested that the Prime Minister extend the pilot period of the submarine service in Nha Trang Bay until the issuance of full legal regulations governing the management of tourist submarine operations.
This morning, October 1, at Cam Ranh International Airport, the Department of Tourism of Khanh Hoa Province organized a ceremony to welcome the province’s 9 millionth tourist in 2024.
At 9:50 AM, Vietnam Airlines flight VN441 from Incheon (South Korea) landed at Cam Ranh International Airport, carrying 180 passengers.
Khanh Hoa tourism industry organizes to welcome the 9 millionth tourist to the province in 2024. Photo: Hung Minh
As the plane reached the parking area, the organizers arranged several welcoming activities, including a water cannon salute, and presented gifts to the first 20 passengers who disembarked, as well as to the 8,999,999th, 9,000,000th, and 9,000,001st tourists. All passengers on the flight also received gifts at the reception area.
The brief event brought a joyful atmosphere, creating a lasting impression and a memorable experience for tourists arriving in Khanh Hoa.
This event is seen as a milestone marking the growth of Khanh Hoa’s tourism industry in 2024. Over the past nine months, the number of tourists coming to Khanh Hoa has reached 100% of the target set for the year.
Mr. Cung Quynh Anh, Deputy Director of the Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism, stated that through this event, the tourism sector aims to showcase Khanh Hoa, particularly Nha Trang, as a friendly and hospitable destination. The province hopes that both domestic and international tourists will continue choosing Khanh Hoa for their travel experiences.
Since the beginning of the year, Khanh Hoa has organized numerous tourism promotion events and programs, such as the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival, Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival 2024, the Kite Awards 2024, and the India-Khanh Hoa Tourism Promotion Conference 2024 .
The $100,000 call is the most popular bitcoin option on Deribit.
Need evidence of just how bullish the bitcoin (BTC) market sentiment is? Look no further than crypto exchange Deribit, where traders have locked in nearly $1 billion in call options at a $100,000 strike, providing buyers with an asymmetric upside above the said level.
As of writing, the dollar value of the number of active call options contracts at the $100,000 strike price was over $993 million, the highest among all other BTC options listed on the exchange, according to data source Deribit Metrics. On Deribit, one options contract represents one BTC.
The second most popular option was the $70,000 call, boasting an open interest of over $800 million. More importantly, call options accounted for over 50% of the total BTC options open interest of $14.15 billion on the exchange.
“The highest open interest across all expirations appears at $100K and $70K for bitcoin, which some market participants interpret as supporting the bullish sentiment that seems to be pervading the market,” crypto trading firm Wintermute said in a note shared with CoinDesk.
A call buyer has the right but not the obligation to purchase the underlying asset at a predetermined price on or before a specific date and is implicitly bullish on the market. Traders, anticipating price rallies, often buy cheap out-of-the-money options like the $100,000 call, which are relatively cheaper than those closer to the ongoing spot price.
U.S. elections options
BTC options expiring on Nov. 8, the day when the results of U.S. election results will be announced, boast a cumulative open interest of $938 million, with $117 million concentrated in the $45,000 strike put options.
The popularity of the $45,000 points is consistent with the tendency of traders to seek downside hedges ahead of a binary event like the election results.
“The volatility surface indicates a bias toward the downside until late October/November when the market begins to favor calls over put protection. Current positioning suggests support for a post-election rally,” Jake Ostrovskis, OTC Trader at Wintermute, told CoinDesk in an email.
Open interest in December expiry is concentrated heavily in call options, with the $100,000 strike being the most popular in a sign of expectations of a year-end surge.
Polymarket traders are unsure
Traders over decentralized betting platform Polymarket see a low probability of the cryptocurrency tapping the !00,000 mark by the end of the year.
At press time, the Yes side shares in the “Will Bitcoin Hit $100K in 2024” contract traded at 15 cents, representing a minuscule probability of a rally into six figures. The contract will automatically resolve to yes should BTC’s price Coinbase hit a high of $100,000 on or before Dec. 31.
Meanwhile, traders see just over 50% chance of bitcoin surpassing the record high of $73,798 by the year’s end.
