Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
5th HospitalityVietnam Conference
October 5-6, 2022 @Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City
08:55 - 09:00Welcome Speech from the Organizer
Speaker:● Gloria Wong, Executive Director at Hospitality Asia
Property Owner's Track
09:00 - 09:20Keynote Speech:Vietnam Hotel Landscape 2023(Language: English)
2023 will continue to witness a recovery in travel, with hotel demand across the Asia Pacific region continuing abound. In Vietnam, the hospitality real estate presents great potentials as the country is striving to capitalize on the rebound of travel and leisure needs from both domestic and international tourists post pandemic. Any investor looking to invest in the hospitality real estate in Vietnam wouldn't want to miss the big picture and pockets of opportunity across this country. Fundamentals of Vietnam hospitality are inherently good, yet there are intricacies to land laws and regulations which investors shall take heed when navigating the hotel landscape here.
Speaker:● David Jackson, CEO of Colliers Vietnam
09:20-10:10Panel Discussion:What are the Next Hotspots for Investors?(Language: Vietnamese)
According to the Vietnam Association of Realtors, Vietnam saw more than 19,124 new tourism and resort real estate projects in 2022. The main supply came from the Central region with nearly 8,000 products, equivalent to about 42% of the total market supply. International and regional operators are paying close attention to emerging regions such as Ho Tram, Quy Nhon, and Phu Yen, in addition to popular areas like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc. The aforementioned properties are all in the luxury segment, developed by renowned investors in light of the substantial increase in the upper class and the shift in customer behavior towards physical and mental well-being. In 2023, which destinations will capture the interest of agile investors? Will their preferences remain in conventional categories such as seaside locations or spread to other areas?
Moderator:● Anh Vu, Development Director at Accor - Viet Nam
Panelists:● Quang Nguyen, Investment Director at Mitsubishi Estate Vietnam Company Limited● Thu Le, CEO at Nova Hotels & Resorts Joint Stock company● Hoang Vu Le, Vice Chairman at CloudGate Group● Tuan Nguyen Quy, Senior Vice President, Investment Sales at JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Asia● Gia Duc Nguyen, Senior Vice President at Lodgis Hospitality Holdings
10:10 - 10:50Panel Discussion:Staying Agile through Unpredictable Changes(Language: Vietnamese)
Since the end of 2022, Vietnam's real estate sector has been witnessing a tightening of credit bank sources and an increase in interest rates. In addition, there are bottlenecks in licensing and approving project documentation, as well as in identifying the obligations of investors, operators, and buyers. Despite the reopening of China, Vietnam's largest foreign tourist market, favorable shifts in the domestic market will not occur anytime soon. The Vietnam Association of Realtors predicts that only high-end properties developed by reputable developers would have strong growth potential. In practice, what strategies do investors employ to counteract the current downswing? What are the solutions to gain robust recovery momentum?
Moderator:● Minh Le, Executive President at Pacific Group
Panelists:● Linh Dang, CEO at DKRA Libra● Thanh Giang Tran Minh, CEO at Gem Group Joint Stock Company● Thu Hang Nguyen, Operation Director at Odin Land Southern JSC● Tuan Nguyen, CEO & Founder at TP Holdings
10:50 - 11:30Morning Tea Break + Business Matching
11:30 - 12:10Panel Discussion:Eye on ESG: collective efforts of legislators, investors, owners, operators, third-party experts and guests(Language: English)
The hospitality industry is still in the early stages of achieving meaningful changes in sustainability. However, hotel initiatives toward ESG across Asia Pacific are steadily on the rise. Investors, as well as hospitality management companies and owners, are recognizing that hotels that rate highly on the ESG scale are not only attractive investments, but they also provide the services and benefits that both guests and employees are looking for. In this session, experts will showcase the current approaches towards ESG in the Vietnam hotel industry and practical practices to facilitate its implementation throughout Environment (energy efficiency and waste minimization), Social (guests and employees' health and well-being, youth employment, and fair labor practices) and Governance (company ethics, board diversity and local standards and regulations).
Moderator:● Miquel Angel, Head of Human Resources & Quality Working Group at Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board
Panelists:● Jens Reichert, Vice President, Development - Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Vietnam AAPC (Thailand) Limited● Douglas Snyder, Executive Director at Vietnam Green Building Council ● Quang Vu Linh, Managing Director at ARDOR Green
12:10 - 12:30Keynote Speech:(To be updated)(Language: Vietnamese)
Speaker:● Anh Vu Ngoc, Director of the Science - Technology and Environment Department under the Ministry of Construction (MOC) Vietnam
12:30 - 12:50Keynote Speech: Investing in your Asset through the Power of AI(Language: English)
There is a new focus on using revenue technology to optimize revenue by accurately analyze data, “learn & think” throughout the process. RMS which is built on AI technology allows hoteliers to make better commercial decisions and achieve total revenue optimization. Join us to explore how AI change the way of revenue management and the impact on pricing, forecast and operation efficiencies.
Speaker:● Sandy Wee, Senior Regional Director of Sales at IDeaS
12:50 - 14:30Lunch Break + Business Matching
Brand DNA Track
14:30 - 15:10Panel Discussion:Brand DNA: The Local Strategies for Hotel Brands(Language: English)
The number of international hotel and resort projects in Vietnam has experienced an impressive increase, from 36 projects in 2012 to 120 projects by the end of 2022. International hotel brands are tapping emerging markets like Ho Tram (in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province), Da Lat (Lam Dong Province), Phan Thiet (Binh Thuan Province), and Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh Province) and dominating the luxury segment. However, Vietnam lacks homegrown brands with distinctive local essence and identity. In this session, home-grown brand operators and international brands will join to discuss how international brands adapt to the local environment and culture and how local hotel operators self-position their brands' unique identities to differentiate themselves from the competition.
Moderator:● Jason Turnbull, Managing Director at Inspire Advisory GroupPanelists:● Martin Koerner, Group Commercial Director at The Anam● Michael Piro, COO at Indochina Capital (Wink hotels)● Craig Douglas, COO at The Grand Ho Tram Strip● David Nguyen, Managing Director, Indochina & Strategic Partnerships, South East Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group
Design Track
15:10 - 15:50Panel Discussion:Where Can "Bleisure" be Seen in Future Hotel Design?(Language: English)
Bleisure traveler or digital nomad is a growing market segment. While remote working is not a new concept, the pandemic has thrusted a more flexible approach to out-of-office working into the mainstream, and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. From fold-away beds to lively lobbies and long-term stays, hotels are switching things up to cater more and more to the new wave of remote workers by creating curated workspaces, stand-out relaxation concepts, and hybrid office-lounges. In this session, experts from design firms and hotel brands will discuss how the growing digital nomad lifestyle will affect the future of hotel design.
Moderator:● Sergio Pereira da Silva, Founding and Managing Partner at Saraiva + AssociadosPanelists:● Edward Faull, Senior Vice President Operations & Development Vietnam at Swiss-Belhotel International● Andrew Langston, Senior Vice President Global, Business Development at Centara Hotels & Resorts● Gregory Spicer, Chief Executive at Xn Protel Systems (Asia) Pte Limited
15:50 - 16:30Afternoon Tea Break + Business Matching
16:30 - 17:10Panel Discussion:Hotel Rebranding and Conversion - What are the Opportunities in the Volatile Market?(Language: English)
Hotel owners and investors are moving away from new developments due to expensive construction expenses and skyrocketing costs for materials and labor. Instead, they are reviewing assets with an eye toward upgrading. Some examples will be rebranding of the renaming of The Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore to Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, and Sentosa S.E.A. Aquarium’s announcement of its expansion as the Singapore Oceanarium, providing greater immersive experiences, Marriott and Vinpearl to convert and develop eight hotels in Vietnam, Hilton's conversion premieres Waldorf Astoria in Vietnam and many more. In this session, hotel brands and investors will discuss the opportunities and pitholes of rebranding in the VUCA market.
Moderator:● Minh Ha, Group Commercial Director at The Anam
Panelist:● Sebastien Favre, Senior Director Development & Asset-Management at Club Med● Morgan Ulaganathan, Head of Asset Services & Hospitality Advisory, Colliers Vietnam● Eudo Chan, Senior Director, Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resort● Cyrill Czerwonka, Managing Director Development APAC at BWH Hotel Group● Leif Schneider, Senior Legal Adviser at DFDL / Vice-Chair of the EuroCham Legal Sector Committee (Vietnam)
17:20 - 18:00Panel Discussion:How Can Hotels Differentiate their Luxury Design?(Language: English)
The term "luxury" has been used as a definition of aesthetic for many hotels and resorts. However, luxury does not simply come from glossy marble flooring, a beautiful sofa or an elegant bathtub. Hotels and resorts are focusing on creating unique building architecture and designs that are exclusive to their brands and may elicit a certain emotional node from guests. In this session, seasonal designers and architects will share how to develop distinctive designs for each luxury hotel brand.
Moderator:● David Skelley, Founding Director at DJCoalitionPanelist:● Rolf van Valkenburg, Head of Design at Fusion Hotel Group● Andre Zina, Country Director at Kanopea Architecture Asia / T3 Architects● Alvaro Paredes, Principal at DesignLab Architects & Designer● Tommy Lai, CEO at GHM Hotels
18:00 - 18:40 Lucky Draw + Group Photo + Interview
08:55 - 09:00Welcome Remarks from the Organizer
Speaker:● Gloria Wong, Executive Director at Hospitality Asia
Operations Optimization Track
09:00 - 09:40Panel Discussion:How Technology can Deliver Personalization and Loyalty?(Language: Vietnamese)
Hospitality guests crave convenience more than ever. That means an unprecedented demand for innovative tools that allow customers to drive their travel, lodging, and dining experiences, including self-service, contactless transactions, messaging apps, food delivery, mobile ordering & payments, and more. Hotels are intended to do more with shrinking budgets for guest-facing technologies. In this panel, technology vendors and hotel operations, IT, and technology heads will join to discuss the technologies worthy of adopting to drive optimal guest experience.
Moderator:● Lucas Truong, Hospitality Director at VIDOGROUP
Panelist:● Hoang Nguyen, CEO at VinHMS● Cuong Nguyen, Managing Director at Clavis Aurea● Jack Nguyen, APAC Regional Managing Director at Insider● Phuoc Dang, Co-founder and CEO at The Outbox Company
09:40 - 10:20Panel Discussion:How to Get Hotel Staffs Primed for the Travel Rebound?(Language: English)
The pandemic has presented various obstacles to people in the hotel business, testing their resiliency and disrupting their regular employment. With an expected rise in the return of visitors after a lengthy absence, how should the country's hotel personnel be outfitted for a sector that is expected to be even more lively than pre-pandemic? It is necessary for hotel staff to expand their flexibility and adaptability in light of changing customer behavior, new hotel concepts and technologies, and the rising need for skilled members.
Moderator:● Andre Gentzsch, Complex General Manager at Aryana Tourism Complex
Panelists:● John Gardner, CEO of Archipelago Indochina ● Vignesh Mani, General Manager at Oakwood Asia● Atilla Erda, Co-Founder at Skool Hospitality● Gavin Faull, Chairman and President at Swiss-Belhotel International
10:20 - 11:10Morning Tea Break + Business Matching
11:10 - 11:30Keynote Speech:Unlocking the Power of People Data Analytics(Language: Vietnamese)
One of the challenges faced by digital businesses is managing data. In this session, the speaker will present the what is the most effective process of collecting, analyzing and processing data in order to improve customer satisfaction, drive innovation, increase guest experience and increase revenue.
Speaker:● Loi Pham, Director of Digital Transformation at Phu Long Real Estate
Revenue Rebound
11:30 - 11:50Keynote Speech:Business Intelligence -- Mining Property Data for Operational Efficiencies
Speaker:● Gregory Spicer, Chief Executive at Xn Protel Systems (Asia) Pte Limited
11:50 - 12:10Keynote Speech:How to Drive Incremental Revenue and Guest Satisfaction with Hyper-Personalization
The hotel industry needs a revolution with real differentiation: room inventory must be redefined to enable new sales techniques such as attribute-based selling and enabling hyper-personalization. When revenue management systems predict pricing based on room types per day, they neglect to capture the context of different travellers' willingness to pay in real time and the overall demand for specific room features.
To radically increase RevPAR performance with more direct and higher-value bookings, the hospitality industry must abandon static inventory management of room categories and move to dynamic and feature-based inventory management. This is the foundation for new data point-driven sales and revenue automation, where AI and Deep Learning make sense and new buying experiences can be developed to incentivise direct sales channels.
Speaker:● Markus Mueller, Managing Director at GauVendi
12:10 - 12:50Panel Discussion: Customization and Flexibility: The Revenue Optimization Formula(Language: English)
Maximizing revenue for a beach resort or luxury hotel in Vietnam requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account various factors, including strategic pricing, customized packages, unique features with sustainable practices, effective marketing and exceptional customer service. These variables allow hotels and resorts to differentiate themselves from market competitors and increase profitability. In times of multiple challenges such as the slow return of leisure guests, a labor shortage, and higher operation costs, real-time situational optimization enables them to respond instantaneously to demand fluctuations, thereby expediting go-to-market plans and promotional initiatives. This workshop will explore how hoteliers may leverage the aforementioned elements to boost their revenue flow.
Moderator:● Hung Pham, Director of Revenue at Wyndham Garden Resort Cam Ranh
Panelists:● Thao Phan, Head of Business Development at Elite Property Management● Thao Hoang Phuong, Director of Sales, Marketing & Revenue at Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island● Vy Phan, Cluster Director of Sales at Furama Resort Da Nang & Ariyana Convention Center Da Nang
12:50 - 14:20Lunch Break + Business Matching
Guest Xperience Track
14:20 - 15:00Panel Discussion:Taking Wellness to Next Level - Building Deeper Connection with Guests(Language: English)
The wellness industry has been experiencing a boom as individuals become more aware and conscious about their health and well-being. This change of attitude is what allowed the industry to be worth 4.2 trillion dollars today. "A true wellness resort is more than just a place to relax and shed a few pounds; it is a place to make transformative life changes that last well beyond the vacation". In this session, panelists from spa consultants and wellness resorts to jointly to discuss what is the holistic approach of wellness concept moving beyond the basic offerings like fitness, spa and natural scenes.
Moderator:● Michelle Ford, Founder and CEO at Luminary WellnessPanelists:● Hylton Lipkin, General Manager at Garrya Mu Cang Chai and Homm Tu Le● Ramon Imper, General Manager at TIA Wellness Resort● Thang Phan, Co-founder and General Manager at Metta Voyage● Ha Vu Thien, CEO and Managing Director at Senna Wellness Retreat
15:00 - 15:40Panel Discussion:Reputation Management: How to Manage your Reputation Online and Reaching out to Customers yourself? (Language: English)
A positive brand image can undoubtedly influence a consumer's buying decision. Research shows a 10% improvement in reviews led to a 4.4% increase in sales. According to data from Expedia, a one-point increase in a review score equates to a 9% increase in ADR. This session will discuss the successful strategies and technologies adopted in managing a hotel's reputation.
Moderator:● Mahesh Ramanayaka, General Manager at L'Azure Resort & Spa Phu Quoc
Panelists:● Olivier Revy, General Manager at Mai House Saigon Hotel ● Ari Wibowo, General Manager at VIAS Hotel Vung Tau
15:40 - 16:10Afternoon Tea Break + Business Matching
Marketing and Distribution Track
16:10 - 16:40Panel Discussion:The Distribution Mix: Dissecting Trends and Challenges in Omni-channel Distribution(Language: English)
Hotels should adopt multi-channel distribution approaches like flash sales, subscription models and loyalty programs, OTAs, GDS, metasearch, wholesalers, influencer marketing and its associated social media campaigns, and many more. In this session, tech disruptors and hotel distribution heads will address the online distribution challenges currently faced by hotel operators and discuss strategies on how to supercharge online distribution that can bring the greatest return on investment (ROI).
Panelists:● Norbert Vas, COO at Archipelago Indochina● Christine Tan, ASEAN Commercial Director at Yanolja Cloud● Bernard Quek, Founder & CEO at Global Hospitality Solutions Pte Ltd
16:40 - 17:10Panel Discussion:Re-Enhancing Brand Awareness(Language: English)
With the return of both leisure travelers and MICE guests, Vietnam's hotel business is expected to flourish shortly. This is an ideal time for hotels to remind visitors of their past ties while also reinforcing the new brand's image. Branding approaches, ranging from digital to more tangible ones such as the use of scent or creative imagery, should be combined. In this session, market leaders from hotel brands and consulting firms will discuss the omni-channel approach to elevating hotel brand marketing strategies.
Moderator:● Neha Pandey, Regional Director, Asia Pacific at The Leading Hotels of the World
Panelists:● John Hamilton, Director of Marketing at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort● Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific at Small Luxury Hotels of The World Management Pte Ltd
17:10 - 17:40Lucky Draw + Group Photo + Interview
2022 Project List
● Ixora Ho Tram by FusionQ4/2022 | Operator: The Grand Ho Tram | Owner/Developer: ACDL
2023 Project List
● Angsana & Dhawa Hồ TràmOperator: Banyan Tree Group | Owner/Developer: Madison Land
● Tây Hồ View Complex with three serviced apartmentsOperator: CapitaLand Investment (CLI), The Ascott Limited and Sun Group | Owner/Developer: Sun Hospitality Group
● La Festa Phu QuocOperator: CapitaLand Hilton | Owner/Developer: Sun Hospitality Group
● Dual-Branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Project in Ho Chi Minh CityOperator: Hotel Okura Co. | Owner/Developer: Saigon Trading Group (SATRA)
● Hyatt Place SaigonOperator: Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Owner/Developer: Xuan Mai Sai Gon Construction Investment Joint Stock Company
● Crowne Plaza Danang WaterfrontOperator: IHG | Owner/Developer: Minh Dong Travel Service and Trading Company Limited
● Novaworld Hồ Tràm5/2023 | Operator: Movenpick (Part of Accor) | Owner/Developer: Dang Quoc Dung (Project Manager)
● Avani+ Ho Tram ResortQ3 2023 | Operator: Minor Hotels | Owner/Developer: Hai Vuong Tourism Joint Stock Company
● Radisson Resort Mui NeOperator: Raddisson Hotel Group | Owner/Developer: Truong Hai Services and Tourism LLC
● Holiday Inn Resort Halong BayOperator: IHG | Owner/Developer: Ha Long Bay Hotel Joint Stock Company
2024 Project List
● Hyatt Regency Ho Tram Resort and Spa and ResidencesOperator: Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Owner/Developer: IFF Holdings Joint Stock Company
● Paddy Field Hotel by PréférenceOperator Preference | Owner/Developer: The Ascott
● Rosewood Hoi AnOperator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts | Owner/Developer: Hoi An South Development
● JW Marriott and Marriott HotelsOperator: Marriott International | Owner/Developer: Masterise Homes
● Fairmont HanoiOperator: Accor | Owner/Developer: Gelex Group
● Ho Chi Minh City Grand Marina Marriott HotelLate 2024 | Operator: Marriott International | Owner/Developer: Masterise Homes
2026 Project List
● Crowne Plaza Vinh Yen City CentreOperator: IHG | Owner/Developer: Bao Quan Co., JSC
● Holiday Inn Resort Yoko Park OnsenOperator: IHG | Owner/Developer: Sun Group
● Building Designs● Building Materials● Building Management system● Energy Efficiency Solutions● Lighting and illumination● Smart Building Control● Elevator/Escalator● Carpet● Walling Solutions● Kitchen & Facilities● Hotel Furniture● Bedding and Mattress● Hotel Display Solutions● Hotel TV
● ICT infrastructure● Connected Hotel Solutions● Bathroom and Fittings● Water Treatment● Waste Management● Security, CCTV, Access Control● HVAC Solutions● Air Purification and Air Aroma● Public Seating● Wine Cellar● Audio and Video Systems● Smart Car Parking● Hotel Testing & Certification● Cleaning Solutions
● Operational Management Systems● IoT Solutions & Building Automation● Cloud Base Solutions● Mobile Applications & Website● Wifi & Band Width Distribution● Virtual Technology Management● CRM / PMS / Hotel Management Solutions● Data Analytics & Data Warehousing● Block Chain Technology● Artificial Intelligence
● Voice Technology Solutions● RFID / EPPOS Solutions● Robots, Chatbots Technology● NFC Technology & Sensors Solutions● In-Room Connectivity & Entertainment● Safety & Security Systems● Housekeeping Management● IT & Engineering Facility Management● Administrative Technology And Solutions
● E-Marketing & E-Commerce● Online Booking & Branding Tools.● Digital Marketing Solutions & SEO● Reservation Management & GDS● Central Reservation Systems● OTA● Social Media Distribution● Revenue Management Software
● CloudBased RevenueDriven Solutions● RM and pricing● Data and Analytics● Direct Booking● Mobile Hospitality● Upsell Training● Social Media Reputation Management● Voice, Video, AR Marketing
● Hotel Operations Services● Project Consulting● Market Survey● Hygiene Solutions● Professional Training Services*Including but not limited to listed above
The Red Room Campaign
Fostering Strategic Collaborations with industry leaders, front liners, influencers, and world figures by convening heads of states, leading hospitality industry think-tanks to address the current industry climate, analyse options, and inspire to strengthen the businesses, industries, and economies across all fronts and the world.