Phu Quoc Vietnam’s prized possession

October 17, 2011 | 09:20
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Duc Hanh talks to Joan Casadevall, general manager of Chen Sea Resort & Spa on Phu Quoc island, about the tourism potential of this paradise island.

What encouraged your group to build and manage a luxury resort in Phu Quoc Island?

Phu Quoc is becoming well-known for its untouched natural environment, the easy going and relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, snorkelling and scuba diving and, most especially, stunning beaches. Even though it is easy to notice a permanent development, the majority of the island is still dedicated to fishing, agriculture and with the presence of the National Park, providing to the island a particular soul; nowadays it is not easy to convince and satisfy customers increasingly experienced looking for more authentic experiences and environments, so, this is the right place for them.

There are a lot of changes in Phu Quoc now with many infrastructural projects under construction – could this flurry of development damage the island’s biodiversity?

I believe that the new international brands and international luxurious travel companies, and our company in particular can help the authorities to control the problems through our environment friendly strategies.

What should local authorities and Vietnam's tourism department do to further promote the island as a must-visit beach and island destination?

My experience in Vietnam is not sufficient to have an overall vision but after over two years in Phu Quoc I would say that this is the best alternative for tourists overseas, especially in winter time, and local and expat clients looking for a very special and peaceful break.

Regarding improvements, the first priority of authorities should be to instigate a proper cleaning of these beaches. As is happening with the hotel industry, safety and comfort are considered as priorities for travel decision makers, so any future tourist development should be based on it. Our marketing strategy is based on these guidelines discussed above. I would suggest to public promoters to develop the tourism industry by selling Vietnam beach and island tourism as the best alternative in Southeast Asia for unique and genuine environments, which are not being overexploited and highlight authentic experiences.


Chen Sea Resort & Spa   offers upscale accommodation on one  of Vietnam’s most
beautiful destinations

Is there much competition for Chen Sea?

In the near future when the new airport in Phu Quoc island is completed, we will have many more competitors such as Six Senses, Park Hyatt, and so on. But I believe that Chen Sea Resort & Spa will still keep an attractive image with regular clients.

Your resort has joined the Centara brand under the Centara Boutique – has this boosted business?

With the addition of Chen Sea Resort and Spa to the Centara Boutique Collection, the Centara Hotels and Resorts corporate Bangkok office and international sales network send us a large amount of tourists, which account for 55 per cent of our customers.

Human resources in locations such as Phu Quoc is a big issue for upscale tourism in Vietnam – what level are your local employees at?

The knowledge, skills and behaviour of our local working force are very good. Ninety per cent of our staff are local, the remaining employees are foreigners we recruit from the Philippines, Thailand or elsewhere, because many of our customers are foreigners from around the world so with such multi-national staff our clients will feel more comfortable.

Phu Quoc Island is rich with seafood but where do you source all your fruit and vegetables?

We have regular suppliers, who bring us the freshest and best vegetables and fruits from the mainland, mainly from Ho Chi Minh City and Dalat, to help us to balance our guests’ meals and to make the local seafood more delicious and mouthwatering.

What sets your resort apart?

Our resort is designed for families and honeymooners, who love the private atmosphere and convenient infrastructure with modern facilities. Sometimes we have corporate clients but it’s not really our main target.

Maybe after we extend with many more buildings on the hillside, we can offer more choices for our luxurious clients. At the moment, we offer various promotions for both foreign and local clients, especially those, who are from Capital Hanoi. So please visit our website at www.chensea-resort.com for special offers.

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