How to compete when the tourism industry recovers? (Part 2)
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. DANG MINH TOAN - GENERAL MANAGER, VESNA HOTEL NHA TRANG - SUCCESS WILL COME TO THOSE WHO PERSEVERE IN PURSUING THEIR CAREER
Master Dang Minh Toan has more than 28 years of working experience in the Tourism - Hospitality industry. He held important positions in 5-star hotel chains before becoming General Manager of Vesna Hotel Nha Trang. He also founded his own company, specializing in consulting, operating, and managing 4-5-star hotels and resorts.
COULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE THE STRENGTHS OF VESNA HOTEL NHA TRANG?
Vesna Hotel Nha Trang is a 5-star hotel in front of Tran Phu Street, known as the “golden road” of Nha Trang City. The hotel has 27 floors and 344 luxuriously and modernly designed rooms with a view overlooking Nha Trang Bay. The hotel offers a full range of high-class amenities, such as an infinity pool overlooking the sea, a modern fitness center, and an airport shuttle service by Kia Carnival. Especially, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang also has a private beach just a few steps from the hotel, bringing convenience to guests. Guests highly value the staff here for their friendly and dedicated service and ability to communicate in many foreign languages, such as English, Chinese, Russian and Korean.
Moreover, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang has the strength of MICE thanks to the variety of meeting rooms, banquet halls, and culinary menus. Hence, many large companies have chosen the hotel to organize all types of events for many years. We always ensure meeting all customer requirements, from mediumsized conferences to gala dinners.
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE?
The tourism industry in Vietnam, in general, is recovering significantly due to the tourism policies of other countries that are almost 100% open to travel abroad, and visa procedures are also more accessible. Many overseas travel companies also open many tours to Vietnam, primarily from countries in Southeast Asia.
In February, Vietnam welcomed more than 932,000 international visitors, the most coming from the Korean market. Also, Vietnam recorded a considerable number of Indian tourists and the return of tourist groups from China in March.
Likewise, the domestic tourist market is still the main driving force of the entire tourism industry in Vietnam today, particularly the group of young tourists. To promote domestic tourism, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang offers combo packages, including accommodation and spa services, food and beverage services, airport transfer services at reasonable prices, and attractive packages such as sightseeing on Nha Trang Bay by yacht.
WHAT STRATEGIES WILL VESNA HOTEL NHA TRANG HAVE TO STAND OUT FROM THE COMPSET?
To promote the strengths of Vesna Hotel Nha Trang, besides market research strategies to identify each customer segment to have marketing strategies and reach each specific market, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang has been preparing many promotions to be ready to serve tourist groups from China, Korea, Russia, India, Malaysia, Europe, USA, Australia, and Vietnam.
Similarly, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang is also planning to reinvest and develop to improve service quality by recruiting candidates with experience, dedication, and proficient use of foreign languages (English, Russian, Chinese, and Korean) and preparing a training plan to ensure a sufficient number of employees to serve guests during high peak season.
In addition, Vesna Hotel Nha Trang also always accompanies the Khanh Hoa Department of Tourism, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to participate in promoting and encouraging tourism demand in key markets of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa such as China, Russia, India, and Malaysia, and more to contribute to the development of the local tourism industry.
I believe that success will come to whom persistently pursue their career and are dedicated to it because, at Vesna Hotel Nha Trang, opportunities are always open for those who constantly make efforts. And most importantly, you must update new knowledge, new methods, apply new technologies to work, and constantly learn from colleagues.
MR. PETER TICHY - GENERAL MANAGER, RADISSON BLU RESORT CAM RANH - INCREASING OUR SERVICE AND GUESTS’ EXPERIENCE
Mr. Peter Tichy has more than 30 years of operating hotels and resorts, including upper-upscale of Radisson Hotel Group’s properties. His journey started on board a cruise ship company, which ignited his love for travelling and the food and beverage industry. After several years of cruising the globe, he started working in hotels first in the kitchen, then moved to Food & Beverage service and finally became a General Manager. Thanks to the hospitality industry he has worked in 4 continents and numerous countries including, with Vietnam being the first in his South East Asian journey.
WOULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE THE STRENGTHS OF RADISSON BLU RESORT CAM RANH?
Inspired by Cam Ranh’s fishing and marine heritage, Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh offers 292 contemporary rooms and suites including 36 private pool villas, all with ocean views. It also features six restaurants and bars, a destination ESC spa and more, all underpinned by Radisson Blu’s “Yes I Can!” service culture. Our Blu Lobster Restaurant won the Haute Grandeur Award 2022 for Best Vietnamese Cuisine in Asia, this is the must-visit place to enjoy local seafood and Vietnamese dishes. Since its opening the resort has received numerous industry acknowledgments from online partners and Tripadvisor’s travelers choice for its excellent service and attention to detail.
Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh attracts MICE, banquets and private dining requests, which contribute significantly to the resort’s performance. We have a Wedding Sala, lawns and a beach, which can host outdoor weddings and events, and an indoor Ballroom if guests prefer a stylish and cozy space – all perfect for up to 400 guests with or without accommodation. Our designer Spa center with 11 treatment rooms is a major attraction for all guests of the resort and drives not only revenues, but also excellent guest’s reviews thanks to the memorable experience our spa team provides.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR VIETNAM’S TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN THE YEAR 2023?
Domestic and international tourism are recovering strongly with the full reopening of borders and the resumption of international flights in 2022. While core markets are still recovering and will take some time to reach pre-pandemic levels, we believe an increase in international tourism to Vietnam is expected in the next couple of years, as new potential markets will be discovered.
In 2023, as we navigate challenges like rising inflation and await China’s opening of borders, we foresee India set to become one of the top focus markets for Vietnam’s tourism industry. Vietnam is also in the travel bucket list for tourists from source markets like: Australia, USA, Canada, Europe, CIS and Taiwan. In addition, South Korea and Thailand are also now connected with many direct flights to different destinations in Vietnam, including Cam Ranh, and an increase of arrivals is expected through 2023 – and look forward to the adoption of more flexible visa application process that will make the travel journey more seamless.
For the domestic market, although demand is increasing, the spending and budget is still tight. Budget-friendly products with a flexible payment method will attract the interest of local travelers.
TO INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS, WHAT PLANS WILL RADISSON BLU RESORT CAM RANH HAVE?
Recently, we try to focus on increasing our service and guests’ experience. We have kids’ activities for our little guests in the weekends including balloon performance, clowns, pool games and magician. And also soon in the future we will apply RAD Family in the resort with kid-friendly welcome packs, kids’ corner breakfast, kids’ passport to create a family-friendly journey. We also have special treatments for guests in spa, with various options to choose from. Seasonal and responsibility actions also organized to create guests the memorable experience
MR. TODD CHOI - DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING, JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC EMERALD BAY RESORT & SPA - REMAINING TRUE TO OUR BRAND VALUES OF EXCELLENCE, AUTHENTICITY & INNOVATION
Mr. Todd Choi has worked for more than 16 years in the Hospitality industry through Accor, Hilton and Marriott International. He commenced his sales career in 2007 with Ambassador Seoul hotel in Seoul. In 2013, he moved to China and joined Sheraton Tianjin. He spent the following many years in China in different brands of Marriott International - Sheraton, Renaissance, Marriott Executive Apartment, and Courtyard by Marriott in Sales & Marketing Department.
In 2020, he built further his reputation as Director of Sales & Marketing of one of the world’s most luxurious 5- star resorts in Vietnam - JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. While facing multiple challenges from the COVID pandemic, the property managed to retain, nurture and develop all our associates to position itself with numerous accolades in 2022 and was also given the prestigious award “Best Hotel JW Brand of 2022” from Marriott International luxury hotels & resorts globally which was held in Abu Dhabi.
COULD YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC?
I am proud to say that our resort is a unique destination built with the concept of Lamarck University. The resort is designed to be an immersive experience for guests, with elements of education, art, and culture incorporated throughout the resort. One of the biggest advantages of our resort is our location on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, with stunning views of Emerald Bay and access to a private Khem Beach. Our resort features 231 guest rooms, suites, and villas, each thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and elegant furnishings. Many of rooms offer private balconies or terraces with breathtaking sea views.
Another advantage of resort is our commitment to culinary excellence, with a diverse range of dining options available for our guests. From French-inspired cuisine at Pink-Pearl restaurant, to fresh seafood with Mexico and Latin mixed at Red Rum, to Asian fusion at Tempus Fugit, our guests and patrons can enjoy a variety of delicious and innovative dishes. Our resort also features a state- of- theart spa, Spa by JW, which offers a range of luxurious treatments and therapies. In addition to our spa, we offer a variety of activities for guests of all ages, including water sports, yoga classes, cooking classes, bike rentals and more. One of the unique aspects of our resort is the incorporation of the Lamarck University concept. This means that we offer a range of educational and cultural activities for guests, such as art classes, language classes, and cultural tours, to help guests immerse themselves in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the region.
Besides, our resort is an ideal venue for business meetings, conferences, weddings, and other special events, with over 1,100 square meters of meeting and event space available. Overall, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa offers a unique and immersive experience for guests seeking a luxurious and educational getaway in Vietnam, with our location, accommodations, dining, spa, activities, and cultural offerings all being key advantages of our resort.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE?
I am convinced that the tourism industry has a bright future ahead. As the world becomes more interconnected and people become increasingly interested in experiencing new cultures and destinations, I believe that the demand for travel will continue to grow. However, I also believe that there will be a shift towards more sustainable and responsible travel, with travelers seeking out destinations and experiences that prioritize environmental conservation and support local communities.
In addition, the use of technology in the tourism industry will continue to evolve, with advancements in areas such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology enhancing the guest experience and making travel more seamless and convenient. I also think that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, with many travelers now prioritizing health and safety when choosing destinations and accommodations. As a result, I think that cleanliness and hygiene standards will continue to be a top priority for the industry, with hotels and resorts implementing new protocols to ensure the safety of their guests.
Overall, I trust that the tourism industry has a bright future, with a growing demand for travel and a focus on sustainability, technology, and safety shaping the industry for years to come. As a resort, we are committed to adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of our guests and the industry as a whole.
HOW DOES JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC INTEND TO BOOST ITS COMPETITIVENESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
We are committed to constantly evolving and improving our offerings and services, while remaining true to our brand values of excellence, authenticity, and innovation, in order to remain competitive in the ever-changing tourism industry. There are several key strategies that we are implementing to boost our competitiveness in the near future.
Firstly, we are committed to continuously improving our guest experience, through investing in our facilities, amenities, and services. This includes upgrading our technology, enhancing our food and beverage offerings, and providing new and innovative activities and experiences to enhance a guest experience.
Secondly, we are focusing on sustainability and responsible tourism, as we recognize that this is an area of increasing importance for travelers. We are working to minimize our environmental impact and support local communities through initiatives such as reducing plastic waste, supporting local suppliers, and implementing responsible tourism practices.
Thirdly, we are leveraging the power of technology to enhance the guest experience and streamline our operations. This includes implementing mobile check-in and check-out by mobile key, utilizing virtual reality to showcase our resort and destination, and using data analytics to personalize our services and offerings for guests.
Fourthly, we are focusing on talent development, by investing in the training and development of our staff to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional service and meet the evolving needs of our guests.
Finally, we are leveraging our brand and global network to attract new customers and expand our reach by a powerful membership program, Marriott Bonvoy. This includes collaborating with other Marriott brands, participating in global marketing campaigns, and utilizing social media and digital marketing to engage with travelers around the world.
Saigon New Day
Từ khóa : PETER TICHY, RADISSON BLU RESORT CAM RANH , ĐẶNG MINH TOÀN, VESNA HOTEL NHA TRANG, TODD CHOI, JW MARRIOTT PHU QUOC EMERAL BAY RESORT & SPA
