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long seen the opportunities for the
central coast to become a world-class
tourism destination. As a result, he has
teamed up with some of the world’s
top brands to take the area’s hospital-
ity to a new height.
After contracting GHM to manage
the Nam Hai, Ryder considered various
international hotel management com-
panies, such as Accor and Starwoods,
before finally deciding on Hyatt Inter-
national. His company’s golf course was
designed and branded by the eight-
time European Tour Order of Merit
champion, Colin Montgomerie.
It is not only internationally branded
hotels that are helping draw in tourists to
the central coast, but also new concepts
for the Southeast Asian region. Serenity
Holding has introduced the all-inclusive
spa concept at its Fusion Maia Danang
Resort, providing free spa treatments in
an all pool villa resort. Next they are set
to introduce an all dining inclusive con-
cept at the Fusion Alya Hoi An.
“Fusion Resorts isn’t trying to copy
any other resort in Vietnam, we create
our own personality,” says Louk Lenn-
aerts, chief visionary officer of Serenity
Holding. “I believe we have to surprise
the market again and again to compete,
not just with other hotels in Vietnam,
but especially with hotels in Thailand
or Bali.”
The Pulchra, which has recently
had its soft opening, is another concept
resort with 31 villas inspired by tradi-
tional Cham architecture and materials.
Gabriel Bernabe, general manager of
Pulchra, believes his guests arrive tired
from work and ready to escape the
outside world, which is the rationale for
not providing in-room televisions.
These newer properties have also
prompted the more established hotels
to sharpen up. Matthias Wiesmann,
general manager of Furama Resort Da-
nang, says he is working to upgrade the
hotel’s lobby, restaurants and bar, as
well as the ocean suites.
The problem now is a lack of effec-
tive promotion to draw in tourists. The
Danang authorities are trying however,
by creating international events such as
the international firework competition,
a marathon and a sculpture camp. How-
ever, hoteliers claim this is not enough
as the events do not have an interna-
tional impact.
Other areas that need to be im-
proved include air access and entertain-
ment. “It would be real nice if there
were more direct flight connections into
Danang,” says Othman. “It would also
be nice if Danang can create a mini Hoi
An somewhere within this city. This can
include rows of colourful, quaint little
shop houses selling Vietnamese arts,
crafts and souvenirs that are linked to
the Vietnamese culture and heritage.”
29
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DANANG IN FOCUS
The new InterContinental has commanding views from the Son Tra peninsula
The all-new Japan-backed Pulchra