Intriguing Indochina

The countries of Indochina have always held such hidden promise, but only recently have really started to deliver. The former French colonies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia form the core of Indochina, but the term is also sometimes applied to include other Mekong River countries such as Myanmar (Burma) and even Thailand. Incentive and meeting planners, in particular, are always in search of new unique destinations and have been keeping an eye on these countries for many years. But for reasons of access, facilities, security and infrastructure, they have shied away from taking the risk. However, this is now changing, and quickly. Vietnam is the new rising star of the regional grouping, with Cambodia following with the huge asset and attraction that is Angkor Wat. International five-star brands are entering the market, further fuelling demand. But it was the recent establishment of the Mekong Tourism Office (MTO) that has set the stage for long-term and sustainable development of the conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) industry in these emerging countries. Set up with seed funding from the GMS Tourism Working Group, which represents the six national governments in the Greater Mekong Sub-region, the MTO has two primary functions, says executive director, Stephen Yong. The first is "to coordinate sustainable propoor tourism development projects in the Mekong in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and the second to promote the Mekong region as a single travel destination under the brand Mekong Tourism", he says. Yong adds that the emerging markets under his jurisdiction are ideal for small and medium- sized corporate groups. "More than anything all destinations wish to tap and establish business from this lucrative sector. In my opinion, destinations like Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and the provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi (China, PRC) are ready for small- and medium-sized CEI movements. Perfect hub "In fact, the uniqueness and intimacy of these destinations increases their competitiveness for these sorts of exclusive movements. And, of course, a destination like Thailand is a perfect hub for organising intimate pre- and posttours of mega-CEI events. "CEI business brings and generates great revenues to all sectors of the travel industry and its food chains. If the destination establishes numerous signature events/meetings annually and stays competitive, I believe they can sustain a number of quality events." The opportunity is there for all planners to see. However, what is required is time and patience to establish best practice development so that the countries can grow sustainably in order to serve the CEI industry for many years to come. "The opportunity for these destinations to develop in a sustainable manner is a huge asset. There are many lessons that can be learned from best and worst practices of destinations around the world," says Yong. "My office works in close collaboration with organisations like the Asian Develop-ment Bank (ADB), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and UNESCAP, all of which have devised numerous plans for implementing growth and nurturing sustainable tourism in the Mekong region and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. "When we talk about approaches to sustainability, we are referring to ways in which travel can work to benefit the entire community and its stakeholders. It's very much a matter of creating a proper trickle-down effect in which the money is ensured to impact and benefit the entire community: government, industry and individual stakeholders." Large benefits Development is largely based on an ADBfunded study that defines strategies that can ensure equitable distribution of benefits and enable pooling of resources needed to build, market and manage travel in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Development is not going to be without its challenges, but among the countries, Vietnam is without doubt the one rising to prominence. "Vietnam has the best base for development," says Yong. "The country is a multifaceted destination with numerous urban and rural attractions. The cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are great hubs from which to venture into outer provinces, and access is excellent with the strong leadership of Vietnam Airlines. "In terms of infrastructure, the amount of money being spent on development is enormous and there is no shortage of excellent hotel facilities." Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia are different stories. While there is a uniqueness and charm on offer, they are lacking in the essential areas of access, facilities and international standard accommodation. Yong, however, remains upbeat on their long-term future, especially for adventurous incentive groups "Laos will be the ultimate eco-tourism destination," says Yong. "It's pristine and relatively new to the scene. Destinations like Luang Prabang and even Vientiane offer a unique window into yesteryear with some comfortable amenities. Myanmar is the ultimate heritage and culture site. While travel remains expensive and somewhat more rugged, Myanmar offers a glimpse into millennia- old religious relics and sites." And Cambodia? "Similar to Myanmar, it offers a unique cultural experience. Places like Angkor Wat are among the most unique in the world. Bangkok Airways offers daily access to Siem Reap, which makes for easy access," says Yong. "Overall the Mekong region remains one of the most culturally rich and naturally beautiful travel experiences in the world and offers a relatively safe and secure experience." Developing sector Certainly Laos currently lacks a wide range of international-class hotels, but the boutique sector is developing. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel by Colours of Angsana, a Banyan Tree brand, is one such property. A former royal residence, the Singaporebased luxury-hotel group has turned the building into a 22-room boutique property, ideal for small groups enjoying high-end incentives. The property also has a small meeting room. WorldHotels alliance has recently signed up the Angkor Palace Resort and Spa, says Roland Jegge, the group's vice-president, Asia Pacific, offering another modestly-sized but ambitiously luxurious option. The hotel has 86 guestrooms, including suites, villas and cabanas, three meeting rooms that can hold up to 300 people. Also in the town is the Le Méridien Angkor. This room hotel has two meeting rooms, the largest offering 320 sqm of space. The Sofitel Royal Angkor has 214 rooms and 24 suites, with three meeting rooms holding up to 120 people. Modest facilities The 120-room Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is styled in 1930s colonial style. Meeting facilities here are also modest in size, with a capacity of 140 people theatre style. Destination management companies, many of whom, like MTO, have their regional headquarters in Bangkok, are upbeat about the prospects of the Mekong region to receive more corporate incentive and meetings business. "CEI business is definitely increasing very fast in Cambodia and Vietnam with yearly growth of 50 per cent," says Roger Haumueller, deputy managing director of Asian Trails, one of Asia's leading DMCs. "Over the past couple of years international hotels have come in and are now able to accommodate business. The destinations have became hip for CEI. They offer luxury accommodation and are still very exotic." However, doing business in these countries is not without its challenges, especially when dealing with large groups. "We face a shortage of hotel rooms in Luang Prabang and, during peak season, also at several destinations in Vietnam," says Haumueller. "For big meetings there is still a lack of meeting facilities outside the hotels. Aconvention centre is now under construction in Hanoi for the APEC conference, which will be good for future CEI business. Visa regulations are also still an obstacle," he says.