Crafting Policies to Attract Super-Luxurious Guests

Mr. Huê emphasized the importance of prioritizing this exclusive demographic, as they not only contribute significant revenue but also serve as ambassadors, indirectly enhancing Vietnam's prestige among the elite.

JOURNALIST: Sir, in recent times, Vietnam has witnessed the arrival of several super-luxury tourist groups for tourism and weddings. In your view, does Vietnam possess sufficient infrastructure to effectively welcome such guests?

MR. PHAN ĐÌNH HUÊ: - From my perspective, Vietnam boasts unique destinations endowed by nature, featuring stunning beaches, and renowned hotel brands such as those in Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Consequently, Vietnam unquestionably possesses the necessary infrastructure to cater to super-luxury tourists. Notably, Da Nang's strategic location amidst world cultural heritages like Hoi An, My Son, and the Hue Ancient Capital further enhances its appeal for hosting events combined with sightseeing.

In addition to the aforementioned destinations, Hạ Long-Quảng Ninh emerges as a promising location to attract super-luxury tourists, thanks to its exceptional natural beauty, particularly if there is collaboration between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. However, Hạ Long still faces a notable drawback: the limited availability of "luxury" accommodations featuring international and prestigious brands. For super-luxury guests, hotels are not merely places to stay; they require establishments associated with renowned names in the hospitality industry, as this assures them of world-class services.

Super-luxury customers prioritize quality, sophistication, security, and safety over price. Moreover, to attract this exclusive clientele, it is crucial to forge stronger partnerships with travel companies and event organizers, including those specializing in international brand weddings and events. Such collaborations can significantly enhance the appeal of destinations like Hạ Long-Quảng Ninh to super-luxury tourists.

- In addition to high-class accommodations and professional organizers, what policies do you believe are necessary to attract this group of guests?

- Super-luxury guests not only contribute significantly to local revenue but also serve as indirect ambassadors, promoting the image of localities and Vietnam as a whole to elite clientele. Therefore, additional policies are crucial to further attract this demographic. Super-luxury guests deserve to enjoy 'exceptional' privileges, especially for events like weddings involving super billionaires, where Vietnamese destinations are just beginning to establish themselves.

One notable policy change should involve revising the visa policy to be more accommodating for this group of guests. Additionally, simplifying paperwork and procedures, particularly for requests related to helicopter travel or event organization, is essential. Welcoming rituals for these guests should be elevated to ensure they feel genuinely valued. This could include special arrival ceremonies and parting gifts to commemorate their visit to the locality.

Recently, destinations like Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long have demonstrated positive steps in this direction, with special welcoming ceremonies for super-luxury guests. For instance, the presence of the Chairman of Ha Long City People's Committee to congratulate an Indian billionaire on his wedding earlier this year signifies a proactive approach and sets a positive precedent.

Furthermore, it is imperative to intensify promotional activities aimed at showcasing Vietnamese destinations to the super-rich. This year, the Da Nang tourism industry anticipates hosting five additional wedding events for Indian couples. However, these numbers remain relatively modest. Notably, individuals like Mr. Phạm Sanh Châu, the former Vietnamese ambassador to India, have played a significant role in attracting Indian billionaires to hold weddings in Vietnam. We require more such ambassadors across various countries, particularly in the Middle East, to bolster our efforts in attracting super-rich clientele.

Moreover, at the national level, there is a pressing need for dedicated tourism promotion agencies targeting super-luxury tourists and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists in general. Similar to Thailand's establishment of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Vietnam should consider establishing its own government agency focused on planning and promoting the development of the MICE tourism industry. MICE tourists are increasingly visiting cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang, demanding high-quality services. However, the cumbersome procedures and paperwork pose challenges for MICE tourism workers. It is imperative to address this bottleneck promptly to unlock opportunities for the development of MICE tourism in Vietnam.

- Recently, the Director of the National Tourism Administration announced Vietnam's plans to establish the first tourism promotion office in Laos. What are your thoughts on this development, sir?

- The establishment of a tourism promotion office is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the image of Vietnamese tourism and attracting more tourists. Therefore, in my view, it's essential to strategically position tourism promotion offices in key markets for Vietnamese tourism. Currently, Vietnam has key markets such as China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. However, even within these countries, it's crucial to identify potential cities and provinces where tourism promotion offices can be established.

Looking at examples from other countries, when setting up tourism promotion offices in Vietnam, most opt for major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which boast significant potential tourist sources. These offices serve as hubs for promoting Vietnamese tourism and attracting Vietnamese tourists.

- Thank you very much.

THANH DUNG (Interviewer)