Michael Jackson inspires Vietnam tourism project

Michael Jackson inspires Vietnam tourism project

Michael Jackson continues to have a strong impact overseas nearly two years after his death.

The self-proclaimed "King of Pop" is said to be the inspiration of "Happyland", a billion-dollar hotel and entertainment project in Vietnam. Joe Jackson, the late singer's father, went to Vietnam and confirmed on state media about his investment in a five-star hotel that is part of the entertainment complex.

Michael Jackson "lived to make people happy and I am proud to maintain that, making Vietnamese people happier," Joe Jackson said at the groundbreaking ceremony. "My wish is to promote this project to all friends across the world so that they understand more about your country," he added.

"Happyland", similarly named like the late singer's Neverland ranch, is envisioned by its developer to be like popular attractions Universal Studios or Disneyland for this part of the world and is "the largest tourism project in South Vietnam and Southeast Asia" according to Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nhuyen Thien Nhan.

The $2-billion project will have the hotel, cinemas, boardwalk, water park, restaurants and other features commonly seen in theme parks in developed countries. It is due to open for visitors in 2014.

Investors and government officials hope to attract 14 million local and foreign visitors every year to the complex located in the southern outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. A project of similar scope was unveiled by Singapore last year. It includes a Universal Studios theme park and casino.

Joe Jackson is also busy with the ongoing trial against his son's physician Dr. Conrad Murray, who is accused of killing the pop icon. Murray has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors said the doctor committed negligence in administering a powerful anesthetic which killed Michael Jackson.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Tuesday February 15 2011, 5:52 AM EDT. Ref: AFP. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment, Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0