Q & A with Rolf Opitz
Q & A with Rolf Opitz
General manager of Wyndham Legend Halong hotel, Rolf Opitz talks to Timeout about Halong’s newest international 5 star hotel. Interview by Thu Hanh
Can you briefly introduce your experience in luxury hospitality?
I am a dedicated Swiss Hospitality Professional with an excellent knowledge of Hotel Operations, F&B and hotel pre-opening. Having worked with people of different culture, I posses goof cultural awareness. Hospitality is my passion.
What encouraged the company to build this luxury hotel in Halong bay?
Halong has long been an exciting destination as it is a world heritage site. It now has new airports and better road infrastructure leading to it, so it will become all the more popular. Despite the number of hotels already in existence, we were confident to build as we are the first international five star standard hotel in the area. We are excited about this accomplishment and now that the hotel is open we are committed to making this a successful venture.
How many hotels does Kosmopolitan plan to manage in Vietnam under the Wyndham brand?
Kosmopolitan hospitality is a young hotel management company with its headquarters in Bangkok working in close partnership with Wyndham hotel group. With more than 13 hotels in the portfolio located around the Indochine area, the group is projecting to grow by at least ten hotels a year.
Wyndham Legend Halong is its flagship hotel in Vietnam and the company plans to develop more here. Discussions are ongoing with developers in locations like Hanoi, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc island and Ho Chi Minh City.
Has being part of the Wyndham Group facilitated access to the international market and which channels have you used to access it
As part of the international brand we received a lot of pre-opening support in promoting the hotel in several key feeder markets including luxury press like Conde Nast and Robb report. Furthermore, the hotel has been promoted through worldwide GSAs in 125 locations. As part of our strategy we have also developed some exciting packages which includes cruises.
With the boom in construction backed by local investors how do you view the competition here?
The market is becoming more competitive with new developments, however we are confident that with better airline connectivity and the improvement of infrastructure luxury tourism numbers will grow, generating enough business for everyone.
Have you faced any challenges thus far?
Vietnam is a great country and exciting to work in, especially Halong Bay. However getting enough qualified hotel staff is a big challenge.
Who are your majority clients?
The Asian market is the leading market in Halong Bay but with the opening of more 5 star international hotels in Halong Bay and the improving public infrastructure we expect to see an increase in Western tourist numbers.
What is your advice for those visiting this region?
Like travelling to any other part of the world, respect the people and their culture and behave accordingly. People here are very friendly, but sometimes a bit shy, especially in Halong Bay as not everybody is used to dealing with Westerners yet. The language barrier can play a part too, so please read about Vietnam and prepare yourself before travelling here.
How can Halong and Vietnam attract more high-end tourists?
More international hotels can be attracted by improving the public infrastructure. The new international Halong airport is scheduled to open by 2017 and Haiphong airport is currently undergoing improvements - two major developments that will facilitate high end market growth.
