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How has Sandy Beach Resort been faring over the last
year in light of the new, big-hitting resorts that have
opened?
In terms of business, we are doing well in the face of
competition. In 2012, our resort’s occupancy and average
room rates were higher than in 2011. That means our
resort is very stable and well recognised by the public and
travel agents.
Do you feel under pressure due to the increasing competi-
tion?
Competitors make us stronger. We always think in a posi-
tive way - new resorts mean Danang has more potential as a
tourist destination. We believe that competitors will bring
more business and Danang and travelers alike will reap the
benefits. We will prosper too as long as we maintain our posi-
tion with customers and travel agents.
How has Sandy Beach Resort improved its services
and facilities since contracting Centara as the manage-
ment agent?
Centara has been very successful in resort management
in Thailand and other Asia-Pacific countries and they have
used that experience to improve our services and marketing
strategy. Our figures show that in 2012 our customer base
comprised a 60/40 local-foreigner split. Now those figures
have reversed and looking forward, a 50/50 split is our target.
Having operated for a few years, do you have any plans
to refurbish?
Firstly, we will increase our room count from 118 rooms
to 198 in 2014 and then expand further to 398 rooms in 2016.
At the same time, all existing rooms will be renovated. In terms
of facilities, we will add a convention hall with an 800 person
capacity for meetings or seminars and 500 – 600 persons for a
sit down dinner. Also, we will upgrade the spa to the Centara
standard. Ultimately, we are a four-star resort but we offer the
same services and facilities as a five-star.
Thriving on
competition
Vatthanachai
Phipatthongpant
,
general manager of
Sandy Beach Resort
Danang managed
by Centara, talks to
Linh Giang
about
how the resort is coping with the
Central Coast room boom.