Marriott not half-board, totally onboard in Vietnam

Hanoi has not seen a new luxury hotel for several years. What challenges do you expect opening and operating a luxury hotel in the present economic climate?

The reason why we chose Vietnam is that we see big potential in the Vietnamese market. Recently, Vietnam’s image in the tourism industry has richly improved as one of the most attractive destinations in the Asia-Pacific. This has led to the growing demand for hospitality services from both domestic and international travelers. I believe Vietnam’s potential in travel and the hospitality industry will continue to develop in the future.

The challenge for us has just begun. We have attracting an experienced leadership team and complimented this with talented managers from all over Vietnam. With 400 employees now going through the extensive training plans we have developed, I must say I am very impressed and proud of the people we have recruited. We received over 5,000 CVs and interviewed several hundred to select the team we have. It is they, who will bring JW Marriott Hanoi to life, and we are all looking forward to the success that is ahead of us.

Both the occupancy rate and average daily rate of 5-star hotel segment in Hanoi have been declining. How are you prepared for this?

For international travelers, the JW Marriott brand stands for simple elegance, contemporary comfort, excellence of service and impeccable food and beverage. Even before we open, there is already a huge anticipation in the market to experience our facilities and services.  In addition, now that there is a MICE-designed hotel that can meet the needs of meetings, conferences and social events with over 300 guest rooms, I believe that many event organisers will choose Hanoi as the destination to hold their association and corporate events.

Most 5-star hotels in Hanoi at present are located in the capital’s downtown, but JW Marriott Hanoi is in the city’s developing western region. Could this be an advantage for the hotel?

The Bitexco Group has a long term vision to develop this hotel in Hanoi. As you may know, Tu Liem has been identified as Hanoi’s new central business district as there are many multinational companies relocating here. JW Marriott Hanoi is the only hotel adjacent to the National Convention Centre, which hosts most of government delegations and international conferences. Up until now, the National Convention Centre has not had lodging facilities within walking distance to their fabulous facility. Now they do, and we anticipate that this will be the conduit needed to drive MICE business not only from Vietnam, but regionally and globally as well.

We have already seen signs of this interest and hope that we will be able to form a formidable partnership, which will not only benefit both of us, but the city of Hanoi and Vietnam as well. Our aim is to be the preferred MICE venue for Vietnamese, Southeast Asian and global organisations and associations. Moreover, there are huge residential complexes already being occupied and being built in this area, which will lead to a strong food and beverage sector here in the future, offering unique and creatively presented culinary experiences.