Interview With Dr. Pham Ha – Chairman And Ceo Of Luxgroup
(Interview conducted by journalist Nguyen Van Hien – Chinhphu.vn)
Question 1: Sustainable tourism is not only about environmental protection but also involves social responsibility and preserving local cultural identities. What has Lux Travel DMC done to balance these three elements in its premium travel products?
Lux Travel DMC places sustainability at the core of its business strategy by integrating environmental protection, social responsibility, and cultural preservation in our travel experiences:
• Environmental Protection: Lux Travel DMC is the first Vietnamese tour operator to achieve the Travelife Certified Sustainability Award, complying with strict sustainable tourism criteria. We are committed to minimizing plastic waste, saving energy, and partnering with eco-friendly service providers.
• Social Responsibility: We actively support local communities by engaging in charitable initiatives, providing vocational training for youth, and encouraging partnerships with local artisans and businesses. Our tours frequently feature visits to traditional craft villages to promote cultural heritage and economic growth.
• Cultural Preservation: Our products seamlessly integrate culture, art, and heritage. For example, our cruise experiences aboard Heritage Cruises, Emperor Cruises, and Amiral Cruises offer immersive cultural storytelling, traditional design elements, and authentic culinary experiences.
We firmly believe that sustainable tourism not only adds value to our business but also protects Vietnam’s precious heritage for future generations.
Question 2: Compared to other luxury destinations in the region such as Thailand, Singapore, or the Maldives, what competitive advantages does Vietnam have to attract global elites? What areas need improvement?
Vietnam has several distinct advantages that appeal to high-end travelers:
• Natural Beauty: Vietnam’s 3,200 km coastline offers stunning bays like Halong Bay, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, along with diverse ecosystems.
• Rich Cultural Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue Imperial City, and Trang An Landscape Complex showcase Vietnam’s deep cultural roots.
• Exquisite Cuisine: Vietnamese cuisine is gaining global recognition, with Michelin-starred restaurants and a growing focus on sustainable dining.
• Competitive Pricing: Luxury experiences in Vietnam provide exceptional value for money compared to neighboring countries.
However, Vietnam must address certain challenges to enhance competitiveness:
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading airports, marinas, and high-end facilities to cater to affluent travelers.
• Service Quality: Improving workforce skills, particularly in language proficiency and customer service.
• Visa Policy: While visa reforms are improving, Vietnam should expand its visa exemption program and streamline e-visa processes to attract more global visitors.
Question 3: What premium travel products has Lux Travel DMC developed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs)? What are the key differences that set your products apart from competitors?
Lux Travel DMC has designed several exclusive travel experiences for UHNWIs, distinguished by their uniqueness and attention to detail:
• Luxury Yachting Experiences: Our new projects, including Emperor Cruises Legend Nha Trang, Amiral Cruises for Presidents, and Heritage Cruises, provide five-star services featuring butler assistance, premium wine collections, spa treatments, and immersive cultural programs.
• Personalized Experiences: Each journey is meticulously crafted based on the client’s preferences, from tailored itineraries to bespoke dining and entertainment options.
• Art-Infused Experiences: Lux Travel DMC integrates curated art collections into our yachts, hotels, and restaurants, offering guests a sophisticated and culturally enriched experience.
Our ability to blend luxury with culture, art, and gastronomy creates one-of-a-kind experiences that distinguish Lux Travel DMC in the premium travel sector.
Question 4: How do you view emerging travel trends such as “Green Tourism,” “Carbon-Neutral Travel,” and “Regenerative Travel”? What steps has Lux Travel DMC taken to embrace these trends?
These trends are no longer just emerging concepts; they are becoming essential standards in the luxury travel industry. Lux Travel DMC is actively embracing these trends through the following initiatives:
• Reducing Environmental Impact: Our travel products prioritize renewable energy, minimize plastic waste, and promote zero-waste experiences.
• Regenerative Travel: We are developing travel programs that include nature conservation efforts, local community support, and sustainable economic growth.
Additionally, we are exploring the “members-only travel” model and ultra-personalized travel experiences tailored to the preferences of elite travelers.
Question 5: What is Lux Travel DMC’s vision for the future of luxury travel in Vietnam over the next 5-10 years?
I believe that Vietnam’s luxury travel sector will experience significant growth driven by several key trends:
• Rising demand from affluent travelers seeking exclusive experiences.
• Expansion of luxury yacht services along Vietnam’s coastline.
• Increasing integration of cultural, artistic, and culinary elements into premium travel experiences.
Lux Travel DMC will continue to lead the market by developing personalized, sustainable, and culturally rich travel experiences, contributing to Vietnam’s growing reputation as a world-class luxury destination.
Question 6: How has the visa exemption policy impacted Lux Travel DMC’s business? What growth rate has your company experienced since this policy was introduced? Do you think Vietnam’s visa policy is competitive compared to other regional countries? What challenges have you faced in implementing this policy?
The visa exemption policy has significantly boosted the tourism sector, especially for high-end travelers. Since its implementation, Lux Travel DMC has experienced a 30% increase in revenue.
However, to compete effectively with destinations like Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam must further expand its visa exemption list and simplify entry procedures to attract more affluent travelers.
Despite these improvements, challenges such as congested airport services and inconsistent immigration experiences remain issues that require attention.
Question 7: How do you assess Resolution 44/NQ-CP regarding the extension of the visa-free stay to 45 days? Does this extension enable businesses to develop long-term travel products? What additional changes would you suggest to maximize the benefits of this policy?
Extending the visa-free stay to 45 days is a positive move that enables travel companies like Lux Travel DMC to design longer, more immersive itineraries. This extension encourages tourists to explore more destinations, enjoy extended wellness retreats, and participate in cultural exchange programs.
To fully leverage this policy, Vietnam should focus on:
• Enhancing destination marketing efforts to promote longer stays.
• Developing premium accommodations and integrated resort complexes.
• Improving transportation infrastructure to connect remote yet beautiful areas of Vietnam.
By aligning visa policies with world-class travel services, Vietnam can become a top-tier destination for luxury travelers worldwide.
Thank you for the opportunity to share insights about Lux Travel DMC and Vietnam’s luxury travel industry!
