Reimagining tourism and hospitality post COVID-19

Reimagining tourism and hospitality post COVID-19

The recent “Vietnam Hanoi Tourism and Hospitality – Managing in Uncertain Times and the Way Forward” forum brought together experts to share views on the current state of the hospitality market and map out a way forward for the post-COVID-19 recovery.

The impacts of COVID-19 on Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality in 2021

According to Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Vice Chairman Dr Ha Van Sieu, Vietnam, which has been hit by its fourth wave of COVID-19, experienced a decline of 16% in domestic visitors and 41% in tourism receipts in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the same period last year.

“Accommodations, tour operators and travel services have been shut down or closed temporarily while most international and domestic flights have been cancelled or interrupted significantly due to travel restrictions,” Dr Sieu said.

“The percentage of occupied rooms in Vietnam’s accommodation services was about 20% in 2020 and less than 10% in 2021.”

RMIT Head of Management Department from the School of Business & Management Associate Professor Nguyen Quang Trung observed that “the past two years have been challenging for the hospitality and tourism landscape, leading to a really tough time for hotels, restaurants and tourism establishments.”

Adaptabilities to combat COVID-19 by the luxury hotel market

The luxury hotel market in Vietnam plays a key role in national economic development and is an important segment of Vietnam’s major developing metropolitan cities. 

Dealing with the current uncertain times, InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 General Manager Mr Patrick Verove shared proactive action plans which have helped the hotel overcome the difficulties.

“At a time of great uncertainty, we have ensured guests can trust us for flexibility, cleanliness, safety and wellbeing priority,” Mr Verove said.

“Faced with temporary closures and low demand, we have identified ways for operational changes to improve profitability, protect cash flow, apply sophisticated digital solutions and train our staff with a growth mindset.”

Capella Hotel General Manager Mr Christoph Strahm emphasised the hotel has taken various measures including speeding up the adaptation of “state-of-the-art” technology and implementation of touchless services to deliver a modern guest experience.

“We have prioritised safety for both guests and staff by adopting touchless services such as contactless check-in and check-out, in-room tablets, mobile key and press reader, among others,” Mr Strahm said.

news-reimagining-tourism-and-hospitality-post-covid-19 The recent “Vietnam Hanoi Tourism and Hospitality – Managing in Uncertain Times and the Way Forward” forum brought together experts to share views on the current state of the hospitality market and map out a way forward for the post-COVID-19 recovery.

Looking ahead: Vietnam’s Tourism Recovery Plan

As Vietnam is moving towards easing restrictions imposed due to the pandemic and getting the economy back on track with recovery measures and stimulus packages, the tourism sector is expected to step up gradually.

Dr Sieu urged tourism and hospitality companies to revise their development strategies to adapt to new trends in tourism demands.

“Domestic tourism will surge, with a large proportion of travellers favouring green destinations ranging from beaches, mountains, forests, and national parks, followed by cuisine, culture, history and entertainment,” Dr Sieu said.

“Tourism and hospitality companies should innovate and diversify into new products which focus on wellness, safety, nature and authentic experiences.”

Two other panellists at the forum included Frasers Suites Hanoi General Manager Sandy Ng and Silk Path Hotels General Manager and Chief Business Officer Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy.

Following the success of the January event, the online forum hosted by RMIT School of Business & Management Tourism and Hospitality Management Program attracted close to 100 participants, including local authorities and business leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as academics and students.

Story: Thuy Le

  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Industry
  • International

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