Basic HTML Version
timeout
EXPAT LIFE
40
T
he Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Re-
sort is seeking a larger share of
the tourism pie in Danang, with
plans under way to expand its
premises from 118 rooms to 198 next
year and up to 398 two years later.
Sandy Beach Non Nuoc Resort
general manager Vatthanachai Phipat-
thongpant reveals that although the
MICE market in Vietnam has slowed
since 2011, Centara Hotels & Resorts
are still pursuing a plan to build a new
convention hall as they have very high
expectations for the MICE market in the
very near future.
Following a thorough survey of the
local MICE market, the resort’s develop-
ers decided that building a convention
centre fit for 1,000 people would not
be prudent. As a result, they decided to
build on the same scale as their com-
petitors in Danang and Hoi An, where
capacities reach 750-800 people.
“We strongly believe in our loca-
tion, the resort and our brand name,”
said Vatthanachai. “First, Sandy Beach
Resort is located between Hoi An and
Danang on one of the best beaches in
the world. Secondly, the resort covers
42 acres making it very suitable for
team building or outdoor events, like
exhibitions.”
Vatthanachai also expects to get a
helping hand from the parent compa-
ny, Centara Hotels and Resorts, which
is known for its strength in the Asian
MICE market, with the largest conven-
tion halls available in four- and five-
star hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kon
Kaen, Udorn Thani, Phuket and Pattaya.
“The Centara Brand name is makes
us believe that Centara Sandy Beach Re-
sort will emerge as leader in the MICE
market when we complete this project,”
he said.
Vatthanachai is not alone in his cam-
paign to make Danang in particular and
the central coast in general become a
MICE destination. Over the last couple of
years, large new resorts with convention
facilities have been built along the coast
from Danang to Hoi An, including Inter-
Continental Danang Sun Peninsula, Fura-
ma, Crowne Plaza and Hyatt Regency.
The central coast is getting more MICE trade, but most groups are small due
to poor access and relatively high costs, writes
Son Tran
.
entices bleisure
Danang