How to compete when the tourism industry recovers? (Part 1)
These guest speakers - all highly experienced leaders from many different countries and working at celebrated 5-star hotels - all share the same opinion: The tourism industry in Vietnam will bounce back! Join us at this special column to hear their expert insights and share ideas about how the tourism industry in Vietnam can not only recover but compete on a global level.
MR. OLIVIER REVY - GENERAL MANAGER, MAI HOUSE SAIGON HOTEL - OUR PEOPLE MUST BE THE MOST CRUCIAL FACTOR
An experienced hotelier with nearly 30 years in the industry, particularly in Asia, Mr. Olivier Revy had worked with many international hospitality groups like Pan Pacific, Starwood, Meritus, and Accor in Singapore, Thailand, Maldives, China and Vietnam.
WHAT ARE THE STRONG POINTS OF MAI HOUSE SAIGON HOTEL?
The first thought is, of course, our ideal spot. The Marie Currie High School and the War Remnants Museum are nearby, and we are in the heart of District 3. Thus, our visitors are always in awe of the stunning design that was influenced by the Indochine concept. People adore entering the hotel and noticing the enormous window with natural light; it's definitely Instagram-worthy. But our people must be the most crucial factor. The staff members are referred to as "hosts" at Mai House Saigon Hotel. Because the idea behind the property is that we are the "owner of the house," we always greet visitors with affection and a sincere welcome.
WHAT IS YOUR COMMENTS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
After a very promising 2022 and 2023 first quarter, the tourism industry is still in the recovery phase In fact, it is thought that the Vietnamese economy is growing. Along with that, Vietnam will see a significant increase in foreign visitors in the upcoming years. Hence, this creates a variety of possibilities for the growth of the business market as well as the leisure market.
DOES MAI HOUSE SAIGON HOTEL HAVE ANY PLAN TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS COMPETITIVE?
Our strength is always the people. The market is fierce, particularly with the daily emergence of new properties from global brands. But in our eyes, what makes a location significant are the people. With our "Made with love" tagline, we constantly remember that everything must be created from the heart. That’s why we are aiming to become the best hotel in HCMC and in Vietnam.
MR. BARUN JOLLY - GENERAL MANAGER, HYATT REGENCY WEST HANOI HOTEL - CONFIDENCE IN OUR PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND BRAND REPUTATION
With his 25-year extensive background of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Barun Jolly worked for multiple high-class and luxury hotels across regions of Asia-Pacific. In 2009, he advanced to General Manager for the first time at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, and successively hold the position in several 5-star hotels including Radisson Blu New Delhi Paschim Vihar, Crowne Plaza Semarang in Indonesia, Crowne Plaza West Hanoi Hotel & Residences, and Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Manila Galleria.
COULD YOU PLEASE TO INTRODUCE THE STRENGTHS OF HYATT REGENCY WEST HANOI?
Hyatt Regency West Hanoi is the 3rd hotel in Vietnam and the first hotel in Hanoi capital of Hyatt Group - the leading prestigious and globally loved hotel brand. We have more than 1,150 hotels globally, in all continents and many different countries. Therefore, any hotel that signs with Hyatt will receive confidence in the brand, service quality and scale of the hotel.
Currently, Hyatt Regency West Hanoi is holding the position as the hotel with the largest number of rooms in Hanoi capital with 519 rooms, with facilities such as conference area, and the most beautiful lounge on the 24th floor. Hanoi. Therefore, I have complete confidence in our products, services and brand reputation in the face of upcoming competition from new hotels in the market.
HOW DO YOU ASSESS THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE?
After years of Covid-19 which has had a massive impact on the tourism and hospitality industries across every country around the world, I believe that tourism is poised for full recovery as well as growth over next 18 months.
Following the booming travel demand especially in 2023, the re-opening of several airlines, new flight routes, and the ease in traveling policies, tourism in general and Vietnamese tourism specifically, I have to say, is recovering at a fast pace. Even right now, we are witnessing a high volume of Indian and Korean travelers choosing Vietnam as their next destination this year. Not only may this be due to the travel opening of these countries, but also the affordable prices as well as a variety of amazing attractions in Vietnam. Therefore, these two markets are predicted to grow significantly and have a high potential to become the dominant segment in our tourist market for at least the second quarter of 2023.
IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE COMPETITIVE POSITION, WHAT IS HYATT REGENCY WEST HANOI GOING TO PLAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
As Hyatt is a leading global hotel brand with over a thousand hotels in more than 60 countries, numerous people all over the world have already know and have been loyal to Hyatt’s unique blend of attentive and thoughtful services. Therefore, in spite of the growing number of new accommodations enterprises, we are proud that our highquality services and newly renovated product are being highly appreciated by the clients and we have very strong repeat guest base.
In the near future, we are extremely excited to offer our beloved guests with special culinary programs at our Unique Market Café with the participation of several chefs brining authentic cuisines from across the globe. With the commitment of constantly upgrading our products and services, we have just launched a brand-new luxury Urban Spa providing healing and rejuvenating treatments for our guests.
Especially, private entertaining events, meetings, or relaxing tea breaks at our club lounge - one of the most spacious lounges in Hanoi; or, our Sky Bar with its panoramic gorgeous sunset view can be an exclusive experience for even the most discerning guest. I certainly believe that with the upcoming dynamic activities together with our newly renovated facilities and services from the bottom of our hearts, a trip to Hyatt Regency West Hanoi will be unparalleled and memorable, creating an amazing impression of a serene oasis in the middle of Vietnam’s Capital.
MR. LIBOR SECKA - GENERAL MANAGER, SHERATON NHA TRANG HOTEL & SPA - PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICE TO BRING THE MOST PLEASANT EXPERIENCE TO OUR GUESTS
With more than ten years in the hospitality industry, Mr. Libor Secka has been working for many international brands in China, Thailand and Vietnam. Before taking on the role of General Manager at the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa, he served as the Resident Manager at JW Marriott Phuket Resort in Thailand.
CAN YOU PLEASE SHARE SOME STRENGTH OF THE SHERATON NHA TRANG HOTEL & SPA?
Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa has 280 guest rooms with 100% ocean view and private balcony that provide stunning views of the bay. From the ornate lobby chandelier made of glass seagulls to top-floor suites bedecked in earthed-tinged furnishings, the entire hotel exudes a harmonious relationship with the region’s beaches and maritime environment. Blending the resort charm with modern comforts, Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa is a highlight of the vibrant Nha Trang city.
Our 5 restaurants and bar add a whole new dimension to the area’s dining landscape. On the ground floor, our lobby lounge & More by Sheraton is the Sheraton’s latest collection of the brand - the new Coffee and Bar lounge concept in Asia Pacific that turns from a coffee into a wine bar during the day - a vibrant, chic and café-bakery during the morning and graceful turns into a beautiful wine bar in the evening, Feast restaurant at level 1 specializing in buffet service that ranked No.1 restaurant by traveller on TripAdvisor in Nha Trang City. On the same floor, enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine at Steam n’ Spice restaurant, right in the heart of the city. On level 28, Altitude Rooftop Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and ocean.
The upscale Shine Spa for Sheraton located on level 8 overlooks the bay provides the ultimate of relaxation where East and West meet as our experienced therapists re-energize you with a selection treatments. Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa offers 8 meeting rooms including 2 ballrooms, total of 1,600 square meters meeting room which are simple and versatile to transform to accommodate any specific needs.
Our fun-filled area on level 6 provides guests with multiple activities and facilities, including one of the most beautiful infinity pools in town, a purpose-built cooking school, edutainment Kid’s Club for the little ones, Game Room and a Sky Garden that brings a relaxing green space.
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE TOURISM SITUATION IN VIETNAM IN THE COMING TIME?
We are very excited to witness the gradual recovery of the tourism industry in Nha Trang in particular and the country in general. In order to capture the increasing demand in the market, we, the hospitality industry, need to have sufficient and qualified manpower. Therefore, one of our priorities is to support and develop labor sources by operating career talks at local universities with inspirational speeches and interactive activities with students to let them know more about this industry. We also provide the opportunity for students to visit our hotel through hotel tours and internship opportunities for them.
WHAT PLAN DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE TO ENHANCE THE SHERATON NHA TRANG HOTEL & SPA’S STRENGTHS?
After the pandemic, tourism trends have changed and people are more concerned about food hygiene and safety. We keep embracing changes to capture the market trend - aiming to attract families and the “bleisure traveller”. Our focus is providing the best service to bring a joyful experience to guests during their stay.
The hotel will also continue to implement sustainable concepts with green areas, reduce plastic consumption, plan to replace electricity with solar energy sources and support the community through Corporate Social Responsibility projects, such as encouraging guests to donate 1$ per night for the UNICEF, creating charity box for Operation Smiles organization, cleaning the beach, sponsoring local orphanages, quarterly blood donation,…
Besides that, taking care of employees is one of our top priorities. We have several activities in place to show our sincere care, such as a Townhall event quarterly when all of the hotel’s members are invited, leaders to share goals, and business status and recognize associates with great achievement and contributions; monthly “Lunch with GM”, in which each department will appoint a representative to talk and share with General Manager. Through these sessions, the General Manager will answer questions the team members may have, and listen to the aspirations of each department, thereby making a better plan to take care of employees, because per our motto, inspired by the famous quote from our greatest leader J. Willard Marriott:”Take good care of your employees, and they’ll take good care of your customers, and the customers will come back".
Saigon New Day
Từ khóa : BARUN JOLLY, HYATT REGENCY WEST HANOI, LIBOR SECKA, SHERATON NHA TRANG HOTEL& SPA, OLIVIER REVY, KHÁCH SẠN MAI HOUSE SAIGON
