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Industry insiders give their take on what needs to be done to boost tourism to
Vietnam in 2014
BIHAN RONAN
General manager of
Mango Bay Resort Phu Quoc
Well, I have been here for 12 years.
A lot has happened already, but the de-
velopment isn’t the same everywhere. I
stayed in Hoi An from 2002 to 2006 and
Danang wasn’t attractive at that time.
The job done there has been extraordi-
nary. Phu Quoc is developing too and
a lot will happen in the next five years.
In my opinion, the main improvements
needed are in infrastructure and educa-
tion as it is difficult to find qualified staff.
In terms of Mango Bay, the fi-
nancial crisis hasn’t hit us. For those
supplying great services and a differ-
ent touch, there is still business to do.
Our concept is very strong; we are an
eco friendly resort with low density.
What guests find at Mango Bay, they
can’t find in any other resort. 40 bun-
galows over 10 hectares is a privilege.
Also, we have a wonderful team who
are always happy to help guests and
are part of the Mango Bay family.
Most of them have been with us for
more than five years and they make
the difference.
LE MINH SON
General manager of
Dalat Edensee Resort
To promote Vietnam’s tour-
ism we attend many international
tourism events to introduce the
high-end hospitality of Vietnam
with good services and perfect
landscapes. However, I think we
need many more effective initia-
tives to create new products. We
need to upgrade the road infra-
structure, add more flights, create
new sightseeing opportunities and
add entertainment centers. Tour-
ism businesses themselves should
corporate together more tightly to
create many more practical promo-
tion campaigns worldwide.
ADAM MCDONALD
General manager of
InterContinental Hanoi
Westlake Hotel
Vietnam is one of the most
sought-after locations as it has a won-
derful heritage and diverse culture.
There is so much here that guests can
immerse themselves in and take back
a life time of memories. The peo-
ple are genuinely warm and accom-
modating and it is a relatively safe
place. The diversity of the different
regions topped off by the best food in
Asia means we should celebrate be-
ing Vietnamese. Vietnam is on many
peoples’ bucket list as it has so much
going for it. We just need to commu-
nicate that to a wide range of regions
and then make sure that they can get
here easily without any undue delays
or restrictions.
As for InterContinental, we are
about bringing the local experience
to life. We look to show our guests
wonderful Hanoian hospitality and
we give them inside knowledge on
where to go in the wonderful city.
Hanoi has many great local experi-
ences that our guests can take home
with them. The success of this hotel
comes from the spirit and vibrance of
our people who look after our guests.
When this is delivered consistently
we will always attract more guests.
However a good economic cli-
mate is important for everyone. Any-
thing that can be done to support
visitors coming to Hanoi should be
encouraged - this applies to the lei-
sure guest by facilitating infrastruc-
ture and making it attractive for peo-
ple to come to Vietnam without any
obstacles. It is also very important
for the corporate guest who requires
good conditions to continue to grow
their business and make repeat busi-
ness trips; both types of guests will
help grow the economy, not only for
business, but for the people of Hanoi.
Through the eyes of experts