Vodafone's Vietnamese adventure

Every year Vodafone opts to pick a venue more adventurous than the last for its rewards and recognition programme — the Asia Pacific Awards. This year it took a punt on Vietnam, one of the hottest destinations for the region's CEI market. Wanting the event to be hosted on the beach, they opted for the Sofitel Vin Pearl Resort and Spa, located outside Nha Trang. The relaxed resort town has been a popular spot on the tourist trail for many years, gaining recognition for its crystal clear waters, fresh seafood, historic monuments, stunning countryside and glimpses of traditional Vietnamese culture. The six-day programme, which consisted of four days in Nha Trang and a night in Ho Chi Minh City at either end, was organised by Axis Events Group Sydney, with on-the-ground support supplied by Destination Asia. It was the first incentive group Destination Asia had done in Nha Trang and the first Australian incentive group at Vin Pearl. The delegates stayed in deluxe ocean-view rooms at the resort. The hotel offered waterbased activities including jet-skiing, waterskiing, para-sailing, kayaking, a PADI dive centre as well as a Shiseido salon and spa. There were 53 participants from Australia, which included management, staff and their guests, 48 from New Zealand and six from Fiji. Delegates were blown away by their first glimpse of the resort, said event organiser at Axis Events Group, Nicole O'Donnell. "It was in a really beautiful setting on an island with its own private beach so there was a 'wow factor' the moment people arrived. "We had 20 Vietnamese women dressed in red ao dais, the traditional Vietnamese dress, and red conical hats, scattering red petals to greet the guests." Vodafone's corporate colour is red, so this was incorporated into signage and costumes where possible. Budget stretch Afavourable exchange rate meant they "got lots of ding for their dong", said O'Donnell. This allowed the budget to go that extra mile with decorations. For example, creating Vodafone- branded conical hats, table runners, napkins, swizzle sticks, mini ao dai wine bottle covers and decorating the resort with Vodafone flags. The resort also incorporated the Vodafone speech mark into floral displays. In putting together the itinerary, effort was made to ensure there was a mix of free time, group activities and teambuilding. The first official function was a 'fishing village' themed night on the beach, kicking off at sunset with camp fires on the beach and fresh seafood delivered by one of the local fishing boats. Beach volleyball was offered every afternoon and tai chi each morning. Abicycle tour through the Nha Trang countryside was a highlight for many, with cyclos ridden by local drivers provided for those keen on a more leisurely tour. Most people opted to ride, which says something about the enthusiasm of the participants to get involved with everything on offer. They visited a local kindergarten, were taken into a local home, stopped at a bakery and had lunch at the Nha Trang Sailing Club. Two of the restaurants they stopped at for breaks during the day only had the traditional squat toilets so Vodafone funded six new toilets at a cost of US$3,500. The next day, participants could take part in a Vodafone-sponsored activity of their choice. Options included a Nha Trang city tour, a boat trip, spa treatments at the resort, a fishing tour, cooking classes and mud baths. Leisure pursuits About half the delegates decided on the boat trip, spending the day visiting the bays around Nha Trang, swimming and snorkelling, followed by massages, pedicures and manicures on the boat. On arriving in HCM City, everyone was fitted for an ao dai to wear to the gala dinner. They were sewn in the city and flown to Nha Trang, with local tailors dropping by to make any adjustments. Dressing in the traditional costumes helped everyone get into the spirit for the final dinner, which started with drinks by the pool and a performance by dragon dancers. Guests then shifted to the terrace for a traditional Vietnamese banquet with entertainment by six local acts. Afterward there was karaoke on the beach followed by a pool party, which continued on until the early hours of the morning. The next day most travelled back to HCM City for the trip home, but some opted for one of the post-event tours designed for the group by Destination Asia. It covered destinations such as the Mekong Delta, Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa. O'Donnell said everyone had a fabulous time. "Some had never travelled outside of their home country, so it was a huge eye-opener for them to experience the luxury of the Vin Pearl, but also the culture of Nha Trang, so they left with a feeling of being rewarded and also enriched by the cultural experience. "The people who participate in this programme are really outgoing and motivated, and Vietnam was the perfect match of a destination for them."