HoSkar Night: Discussing the "new normal" trends in the resort real estate industry.

The KOLs for the October HoSkar Night event include a host of industry experts from hotel management groups such as Wink Hotels, Accor, Wyndham, and InterContinental Phu Quoc; design firms specializing in resort real estate such as Blink Design Group, B+H Architects, and Sirhalo; and consulting firms such as Savills Hotels APAC, VinHMS, and Booking.com.

Sharing their views on the overall picture of the tourism and hospitality industry and its post-pandemic prospects, experts noted that the nationwide vaccination rollout has brought many positive signals for the recovery of the hospitality sector. However, to return to pre-pandemic levels (2019), it may take until around the end of 2023 or 2024, when the world achieves herd immunity and international tourism activities resume. Over 80% of survey participants agreed with these timelines, and nearly 76% believed that only a few localities could open their doors to international tourists in the first quarter of 2022.

When surveyed about travel destinations after the lockdown and easing of quarantine regulations, over 50% of respondents chose Phu Quoc alongside other destinations such as Da Nang or Vung Tau - Ho Tram. However, nearly 14% of travelers still expressed concerns about Covid-19 and will likely return to travel when they feel safer in the future.

Two new elements: Health & Experience

Commenting on the role of technology in hotel operations, Mr. Nguyen Hoang - General Director of VinHMS shared, "The pandemic has contributed to accelerating development and creating opportunities for new technologies to enter the market, such as AI-powered area recognition technology to avoid crowded gatherings at one location, robotic technology in room services (cleaning, laundry, and in-room dining), applications on hygiene and safety standards, as well as many other new technologies."

Discussing design trends in the hospitality industry, experts have observed the emergence of new trends, with travelers increasingly focusing on "experience-seeking." To attract this customer group, investors need to adapt to changes in consumer behavior and preferences, shifting from a desire for material possessions to one for experiences. Hotels are no longer simply places to stay; travelers now desire more novel experiences, opportunities to explore local culture, broaden their knowledge, and appreciate the unique characteristics of their travel destination.

Experts also believe that the pandemic has made people more aware of the importance of physical and mental health. Over 72% of respondents in the HoSkar Night survey believe that the Vietnamese resort industry needs more wellness resorts. Besides aesthetics and functionality, resort designs need to convey a vision through architecture and landscaping. Designs should harmonize with the surrounding environment, natural landscape, and consistency in the choice of materials and interior textures to create overall project harmony.

Video of the recent HoSkar Night event:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HoSkar NightHoSkar Night is a monthly networking event series specifically for the resort real estate industry in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Amidst the pandemic, HoSkar Night has become an online platform for individuals and organizations in the sector to meet, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest developments in Vietnam and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Huyen Chau