HÀ NỘI -- Specialists working in the hospitality sector discussed solutions for the sustainable development of the field in Hà Nội on Friday.

The Vietnam Executive Housekeepers Association (VEHA, part of the Vietnam Hotel Association) hosted the event.

The conference, titled "Development Trends in the Hospitality Industry", attracted more than 500 members, managers, hotel operators, and representatives of domestic and international housekeepers associations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nguyễn Quang, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Hotel Association, noted that both Vietnamese and international tourism are gradually recovering strongly.

"That is also when the hotel industry needs to make appropriate changes to meet customer needs. Proactively selecting categories and making changes to seize opportunities for pioneering and developing the industry is one of the top priorities of every hotel," he said.

Specialists discuss the matter at the event. Photo courtesy of the organisers

"Through the conference, we hope to share advanced examples of domestic and international hotels on specific solutions in applying AI technology to hotel operations; helping hotels reduce staff but still ensure better service; improve customer satisfaction and especially improve revenue, contribute to increasing GOP, share best practices on sustainable tourism development, and environmental construction. Work actively...", Quang emphasised.

Quang also said that, in the hotel service industry, creativity and innovation are the keys to maintaining and improving service quality. Hotels should create an environment that encourages employees to suggest new ideas and improve work processes.

This can be done through organising idea contests, suggestion boxes, or periodic brainstorming sessions. Excellent ideas should be recognised and rewarded, and more importantly, implemented if feasible.

Additionally, hotels should also pay attention to new trends in the industry and be ready to adopt new technologies to improve customer experience.

For example, using chatbots to support customers 24/7, or mobile applications that allow guests to check in online and control devices in the room...

Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are considered two technologies with the potential to revolutionise the accommodation management industry.

AI systems can help optimise the booking process, predict customer needs, and automate many daily management tasks.

Meanwhile, IoT can help create "smart rooms," where every device is connected and controlled remotely, providing a great customer experience.

Besides, integrated hotel management software solutions are also increasingly popular. These software programmes not only help effectively manage daily operations but also provide powerful data analysis tools, helping managers make accurate and timely decisions.

Lương Thành Nam, Managing Director of Viet Hotel Solutions Company - Vietsolutions Group, said that IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a technology for transmitting television and multimedia content via the Internet, opening up an era of new resources for the accommodation service industry.

For hotels, IPTV is not simply a television system, but also a multifunctional interactive platform, integrating many smart utilities.

Hotel IPTV solution comes with many advanced features, enhancing customer experience and hotel management efficiency with a customisable user interface, diverse content, virtual concierge service integration, travel information, and room management integration.

For customers, IPTV brings a streaming experience, personalised entertainment experience, convenience and comfort, and multi-device connectivity.

“With outstanding features such as high customisation, centralised management system, and multi-service integration, IPTV is not simply an entertainment system but also a powerful digital transformation tool,” Nam said.

“To maintain and enhance their competitive position, hotels need to focus on applying advanced technology solutions such as IPTV; thereby improving service quality and creating a unique experience for customers," he affirmed.

Other participants shared insights about the current situation and solutions of managers to develop hotels in a sustainable way, ensuring a balance between the interests of investors and the rights of workers, and discussed green transformation solutions of typical hotels in Việt Nam and around the world.

Experts also provided useful information regarding development trends in the hospitality industry.

Trương Đình Đồng, Resort Manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay said that their unit has been creating unique experiences to introduce to its customers.

Chairman of VEHA Nguyễn Quang receives Certificate of Merit for his outstanding achievements.

In particular, in the context of global concern for environmental protection and sustainable development, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay has applied a science-based approach to measure impact and set specific goals to ensure sustainable development.

“Not only saying 'no' to plastic, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay also uses environmentally friendly alternative materials and aims for zero waste by classifying and reusing materials from trash and training resort staff to understand and join hands in practising environmental protection,” he said.

International representatives also discussed topics such as: development trends of the Malaysian hotel industry or the application of AI technology in hotel operations, contributing to increased revenue and reduced investment costs in Malaysia and Thailand.

On the same day, VEHA held its third term Congress (2024-2029), where the Vietnam Tourism Association awarded Certificates of Merit to the Executive Committee of VEHA and Nguyễn Quang, Chairman of VEHA for his outstanding achievements in implementing activities, actively contributing to the development of the sector. VNS