Equatorial Hotel: Providing Perfect Services to Tourists

Equatorial Hotel: Providing Perfect Services to Tourists

Interview with Mr Alfred Portenschlarge, General Manager of Hotel Equatorial HCM City

What have been the hotel's major achievements and successes in recent times, and what do you see in store for the hotel, and Vietnam’s tourism industry in general in the future?

As an Asian hotel company, I think there are several reasons to enter Vietnam. Firstly, it’s a country growing rapidly, and the tourism industry for both domestic and international visitors has been offered the right foundation to invest on a long term basis, which is very focused and result driven.

Secondly, Equatorial's objective to be part of the development of the tourism industry at an early stage has contributed in no small means to a flourishing industry that we are now part of.

Since commencing operation in mid 1995, the hotel has established itself as being a preferred hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and gained a reputation for service excellence as well as consistently providing high quality food and beverage products in its renowned restaurants. Rated as a five star hotel, you can expect to have all the amenities and facilities in place to cater to the most concerned customers in Vietnam.

With our continued efforts to improve our services and provide more value to our guests, great emphasis is given to the training of staff as such creating an atmosphere of belonging and caring. We strongly believe that a happier work force will generate more loyal customers and increase revenue.

What are the secrets of Hotel Equatorial success, and what have been the main factors contributing to this success?

This relative short period of time did not pass without its challenges and opportunities. The economic crisis in 1998 has most certainly tested the will of the company to stand its ground. Followed by the outbreak of SARS in 2003 and the Avian Flu this year, it was important to keep "Cool" and re-think business strategies, build new active relationships at all levels and look for possibilities to develop new markets. This time has also shown how vulnerable a country can be and the need to have a better coordinated strategy in place to combat such situations.

The growth of the company also brought many challenges. New hotel developments small and large, both local and multinational have made their presence felt contributing to the ever increasing competition we now see, and will for years to come.

Can you give us an evaluation of the market and competition of the tourism industry as at present, and for the coming years when Vietnam will participate in the WTO?

Recognised as a pioneer and leader in this hotel industry, emphasis will be given to excel in our plans to go ahead with major renovations including all of our guest rooms, public areas and banqueting facilities, invest in state-of-the-art technology, strengthen our position by expanding our customer base and deepen our long standing relationships with global partners in the industry.

The expansion of visa free entries to Vietnam, the participation of Vietnam in the AFTA and the integration to the WTO later this year will most certainly encourage new markets enter Vietnam, as such benefiting the hotel industry.

Sound incentive policies for investments, a stable political environment and the potential for substantial future economic growth will create the right climate to draw more attention from foreign investors.

Given the fact that we are now seeing a healthy growth rate in industry, one has to say that this is enough evidence that Vietnam is a safe and friendly destination and on the road to recovery.

How about the development of the MICE market in Vietnam?

With the opening of its air space, the ease of visa restriction for Asian countries, Vietnam has made a major step in attracting international meeting and incentive travellers. A fast expanding business environment and increasing foreign investments will help to provide the facilities needed to further grow this market segment substantially.

We are only just starting to see the “tip of ice berg” and its vast potential still needs to be explored.

• Reported by Quang Dai