The Founder Of Silk Sense Resort Said “Class Is About How Customers Become Classy”
silksenseresort | 07/06/2024
Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is the fifth hotel in Hoi An to be certified as a 5-star standard hotel by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Once the pandemic is over and tourists return, the tourism products cannot be worse than before, but instead must be better than before, more unique than before, because tourists will be more cautious and considerate in their spending,” shared Mr. Tran Thai Do, the founder of Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort.
126 American tourists were the first to visit Hoi An in early April 2022. Along with the full reopening on March 15, 2022, the tourism industry has experienced a significant increase in visitors after a two-year slowdown due to Covid-19.
Before the pandemic, 2019 was a glorious year for tourism in Hoi An, as the town topped the list of the 15 best cities in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine and was honored by Google with a Google Doodle. According to statistics from Quang Nam province, in that year, the total number of visitors to the province reached 7.66 million, an increase of 17.61% compared to the same period in 2018, with international visitors estimated to be over 4.6 million, an increase of 20.50% compared to the same period.
Along with the full reopening of the tourism industry, the country welcomed 60-80 million domestic tourists and 414,000 international tourists in the first six months of the year, according to statistics from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Vietnamese tourism industry expects to welcome 5 million foreign visitors in 2022.
just over a week after the milestone of reopening, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort was awarded the 5-star standard hotel certification by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, reaffirming the belief of Tran Thai Do, the “child of Hoi An,” that “Tourism must be better than before the pandemic”
Choosing to build a resort near hardworking and traditional fishermen in a fishing village, with boats returning full of shrimp and fish every morning.
As a native of Hoi An and the owner of a 5-star resort project in this area, how do you perceive the recovery of the tourism industry after Covid-19?
The tourism activities in Hoi An, a World Cultural Heritage site, are still relatively modest compared to the potential and the brand that has been built over the years. However, with various stimulus measures, I believe in the resurgence of this renowned destination.
What attracts a businessperson in the silk industry to venture into the luxury resort real estate market? And what does the name “Silk Sense” mean?
Hoi An is one of the port cities in Vietnam located on the “silk route by the sea” in the late 16th century. I have been exposed to and appreciate the exquisite beauty of Vietnamese silk from an early age. I value the moment when each customer is satisfied wearing elegant and fashionable silk garments. And I also aspire to create a perfect and memorable resort destination in Hoi An, contributing to the promotion of silk and introducing the cultural aspects of Vietnam that are closely associated with silk to international tourists.
Silk Sense is a story that originates from a love for silk, as well as the convergence of the traditional culture of silk weaving in Quang Nam province and the upscale resort space along the Co Co River. We are working together with our colleagues to fulfill the demands of customers that may not have been fully met until now.
Perhaps Hoi An has not had many resorts with favorable, romantic, and peaceful locations, or many places with beautiful organic gardens or infinity saltwater pools. Therefore, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort was established to fill that gap. The presence of the resort contributes to making the Hoi An landscape more sparkling and diverse.
How did you feel when your hotel was recently awarded the 5-star hotel certification by the Tourism General Department, just as the tourism industry was fully reopening?
Born and raised in the land of Hoi An, starting from humble beginnings of our family’s limited resources, we have dedicated ourselves to realizing our dreams and pouring our passion into Silk Sense Resort… And now, we are proud to have been awarded the 5-star Hotel Certification by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. This is a great joy and a source of immense pride. It’s hard to put into words the emotions we feel, as this achievement not only marks the milestones we have surpassed but also serves as a significant motivation for the journey ahead!
I love Hoi An because my childhood unfolded amidst the ups and downs of its history. I love Hoi An because I understand that my homeland needs the contributions of every individual, every idea, and every pair of hands. Therefore, Silk Sense Resort is born out of these loves and beauties, and we are dedicated to awakening and enriching the emotions of our guests alongside Hoi An.
We have chosen a land that is not too large, but sufficient to create a relaxing space with attentive services. We have chosen a location not far from the city, yet tranquil enough for guests to enjoy their own private moments. We have chosen a view that does not face the turbulence, but instead faces the serene and spacious Co Co River, with lush green coconut forests on both banks. We have chosen a community that is not noisy and bustling, but rather hardworking and humble fishermen from a fishing village, with their boats filled with fresh catches every morning…
Silk Sense Resort has inherited a harmonious and auspicious location, with rare and favorable feng shui. It is indeed a stroke of luck!
The vegetable garden at the 5-star resort and the concept of “class” in Hoi An businessmen
Does this “upgrade” also mean that Silk Sense Resort has reached a new level?
More accurately, Silk Sense Resort has reached the threshold of prestigious hotels. It is called reaching the threshold because being recognized as a 5-star standard is not the end for us, but rather the beginning of a journey: a journey to demonstrate our class.
We have to make even more effort to deserve this title. And for us, class is not just for the hotel, but it is about making the guests of Silk Sense Resort become distinguished guests.
Earlier, you mentioned that Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort has a clean vegetable garden. Why did you build a vegetable garden at the resort?
Since 2021, Silk Sense Resort has focused on developing an herb and vegetable garden, and the new highlight is the Caman Village product, a daily organic garden that provides fresh, delicious, safe, and diverse vegetables and herbs for guests.
Do you think a vegetable garden has a “rural” element when placed within a 5-star resort, sir?
The “rural” aspect of Caman Village is a unique feature among many other 5-star resorts in Hoi An, where guests can experience new services and enjoy fresh produce from the garden in their meals at Silk Sense Resort. Here, guests can also relax and immerse themselves in the refreshing nature, surrounded by lush green vegetable beds that cannot be found in the bustling city.
You mentioned that “once the pandemic is over and tourists return, tourism products cannot be duller than before, but instead must be better and more unique.” Specifically, how has Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort improved and become more exceptional?
Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is gradually becoming a standout sustainable tourism destination with environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, we have been gradually phasing out non-environmentally friendly items and collaborating with Hoi An city on campaigns for a greener environment.
Silk Sense Resort is built with eco-friendly non-fired compressed earth blocks, integrated hot water air conditioning systems to avoid releasing hot air into the atmosphere, chlorine-free mineral saltwater pools, organic fruits and vegetables sourced from the garden to serve guests, and a separate tranquil space surrounded by lush greenery. The resort also adheres to international standards of premium products and services to ensure that we touch upon every guest’s emotions..
Do you have plans to expand the resort in the future? As someone who is passionate about and dedicated to the resort real estate industry, what kind of “legacy” do you want to leave for the resort real estate sector in particular and the tourism industry in general?
Do you have plans to expand the resort in the future? As someone who is passionate about and dedicated to the resort real estate industry, what kind of “legacy” do you want to leave for the resort real estate sector in particular and the tourism industry in general?
With a passion and dedication to the resort real estate industry, I aim to promote a mindset centered around service value. Every resort or tourism product should have value, providing convenience and differentiation for customers.
Thank you!
Ánh Dương
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