HA NOI — The lotus has been named as Viet Nam's national flower, after receiving 80 per cent of votes during a referendum at the Spring Flowers and Drinks Festival, held at the Culture and Art Centre, Ha Noi, on Saturday. Last April, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism established the criteria for the national flower: it must have originated in Viet Nam or have been planted for a long time in the country and must be found in many localities.
The ministry also asked that the flower be one featured widely in arts and favoured by many people.
During an online poll, conducted since 2006, 60 per cent of voters favoured the lotus, followed by the ochna blossom and peach blossom, the ministry said.
New logo, slogan to give ‘orientation' to tourism
HA NOI — The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) yesterday awarded first prize to Cowan Viet Nam Company for creating the slogan Viet Nam – a Different Orient.
It will become the official logo for the National Tourism Promotion Programme for 2011-15.
The new logo is meant to reflect Viet Nam's uniqueness, independence, and vision.
Second prize went to the slogan The Country of Smiles, while third prize was awarded to Viet Nam – the Pride of Asia.
The competition ran for four months. Organisers received 413 entries from 223 design firms, both domestic and international.
The contest was jointly held by the VNAT and the Viettime Media Company.
The tourism authority hopes the logo will attract 10-15 per cent more international visitors, while boosting domestic holiday makers by 15-18 per cent from 2010-20.
Fathers have fun with their kids in new TV game show
HCM CITY — A new game show for children Ti Hon Tranh Tai (Kids Compete) will begin airing on television on February 5.
Produced by HCM City Television (HTV) and Dong Tay Promotion Company the show is based on Fremantle Media's game show Baby Races. The programme will be hosted by young actor Dinh Toan.
Children from six months to six years old are eligible to can take part in the show with their fathers.
The format of the game involves three teams with 4 members each – three children and a father – who will play games like trolley racing, milk-feeding, crawling, and diaper-changing and football.
At the end of the show, the winners and runner-ups will receive gold, silver and bronze medals as well as vouchers for buying toys.
The show will be aired at 7pm every Saturday on HTV7. — VNS