MICE tourism meets trends in Vietnam

Frank Bochmann, general manager of Sheraton Grand Danang Resort

Sheraton Grand Danang Resort proudly hosted the APEC Gala Dinner in 2017. After a year in operation and having served many other large-scale meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) events, what have been the highlights so far?

The year saw large MICE events and was overall a successful year for the hotel business. For example, the 6th GEF Assembly in June hosted a total of 1,000 international VIP guests and delegates for a sit down-dinner and buffet. Also, corporate MICE event Unicity Korea in October involved 1,000 guests from different South Korean cities using the ballroom, and featuring a gala dinner with a beautiful stage built across the beach, and a runway down our infinity pool.

Why is the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort ideal for large-scale MICE events in Danang and Vietnam as a whole?

With the largest hotel ballroom in Danang we are a natural choice. Our location, only 20 minutes from the airport, enables Sheraton Grand Danang Resort to provide direct access to Danang’s most prestigious beaches, tourist and cultural attractions, and it is in close proximity to UNESCO Heritage landmark towns such as Hoi An and Hue. We are the first Sheraton Grand Resort in Southeast Asia and the newest five-star property in Danang.

Our location on the white sandy beach of Non Nuoc encompasses two hotel blocks - 130 rooms with the vice presidential suite in one, and 128 rooms and luxurious presidential suite with private lift and helipad access in the other six distinctive restaurants and bars at the resort provide a rich array of international cuisine, ranging from authentic Vietnamese to Asian favourites. Event planners enjoy the dedicated convention centre spanning over 3,300 square metres, which has some wonderful attributes including very impressive MICE facilities, such as Vietnam’s largest luxury grand ballroom for large-scale exhibitions and events. There are also many breakout rooms, plus a selection of outdoor venue options, including our stunning beach area and pool lawn.

In 2019, what new attractions can guests look forward to at the resort?

We will be adding a number of wonderful children’s facilities, such as a dedicated children’s playground, and water castles added to the already-popular kid’s club and to the infinity pool, which at 250 metres is the longest infinity pool in the country.

What makes you so enthusiastic about the resort in particular and Vietnam in general?

I think Vietnam is still undiscovered for many tourists and exotic for many seasoned travellers, and on the bucket list of many who have seen most parts of the world.

For MICE groups, the Mekong River area of Vietnam and Cambodia is still unexplored. With the right convention services being offered, there is much more that can be achieved.

Tet is a very special occasion in Vietnam. What message would you like to convey to readers and potential resort guests at this time?

I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone Chuc Mung Nam Moi and stay safe, travel carefully, and enjoy the time with your family under the peaceful and sunny sky of Danang and beyond.