In 2005, Vietnam received 3.4 million foreign visitors, a figure which was beyond any prediction because of a fear of an outbreak of bird flu. In early days of 2006, hundreds of foreign visitors arrived in Ho Chi Minh City and were warmly welcomed by leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and travel agencies. A travel agency of Ho Chi Minh City has planned to receive 4,500 foreign visitors in January 2006. This is a good sign for the city’s tourism. On this occasion, VIB Forum interviewed R. Marran, general director of the Amara Saigon Hotel, which was considered as one of the most successful hotels in the city in 2005.
What were outstanding activities of Amara Saigon in 2005?
In 2005, Amara Saigon organised many activities, including the welcoming of a trans-Asia friendship caravan, the reception of players who competed at the Asian Futsal championship host by Vietnam. We were also the co-sponsor of the Vietnam Businessman Golf Tournament - VCCI Cup, organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). We organised annual events, including the second wedding exhibition, secretaries’ festival and Halloween. These events were highly appreciated by travel agencies and visitors. At the same time, we organised charity activities, donating disadvantaged children in Phu Yen province, donating the ‘Humanitarian Arms’ programme, and donating to tsunami and Agent Orange victims.
In early 2005, we set a target of earning US$4.2 million in revenues and US$2.2 million in profits, and a room occupancy rate of 70 per cent. Reviewing 2005, our revenues were put at US$4 million and our profits, US$1.5 million. Our room occupancy rate was 65 per cent. We did not achieve our target because of objective reasons, including the upgrading of rooms and the outbreak of bird flu. However, in comparison with other four star hotels, we succeeded with revenues and profits higher than the figure of US$3.6 million in revenues and US$1.2 million in profits. In 2006 we will strive to earn US$4.8 million in revenues and US$2 million in profits.
As a foreign investor, what do you think about Vietnam’s investment environment? What experience do you want to share with those who have invested or are investing in Vietnam?
After nine years living and working in Vietnam, I have realised the country has experienced economic, political and social changes. In particular, the Vietnamese economy has gained a high growth rate. Investment policies and environment of Vietnam have become more open with complicated procedures removed. Authorised agencies, from the central to local levels, have created the most favourable conditions for foreign investors.
I want to share with those who have invested, are investing or will invest in Vietnam the following things: Firstly, they should respect and observe the Vietnamese law. They should not compare the Vietnamese law with those in their countries. Secondly, they should treat Vietnamese staff members with friendship and kindness. They should not consider themselves bosses who have rights to treat their staff as slaves. This opposes the Vietnamese law and code of ethics. Thirdly, they should reinvest their profits earned in the first years. Finally, they should provide Vietnamese staff with knowledge and experience, giving them opportunities to get promotion to important posts, as Vietnamese understand their people better than any foreigner. If they can do that, foreign investors will succeed.
What will Amara Saigon plan in 2006? Do you think you will work in Vietnam for a long time?
Continuing the achievements in 2005, we, in 2006, apart from annual activities will join activities initiated by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to promote Vietnamese tourism to the international public. In particular, specific activities will be organised at the Amara Saigon Hotel.
For me, I have considered Vietnam as my second homeland. I love Vietnam as a heroic and beautiful country and I love the friendly and hospitable Vietnamese people. Wherever I go, I always want to return to Vietnam. So far, I don’t have any plans to leave the country yet.
Reported by Quang Dai
Vietnamese
