An interview with Ronan Le Bihan, General Manager of Mango Bay Phu Quoc

What are the advantages and disadvantages when doing resort business in Vietnam? Vietnam get a bright future in tourism industry, therefore it will give us the opportunity to be successful if we do our job well. On another hand, working here for 10 years, I see that lack of infrastructure makes everything more difficult to happen. In Phu Quoc, for example, the airport is too small (but new international airport will be opening end of the year), the road used to be dangerous (but it is better now). It is still very hard to find English speaking staff but it will come. It is wonderful to work in a country when you see the development coming step by step. It makes me be excited for the future.

 A room at Mango Bay

When doing business, whatever in which industry, differences can make success. What is it with Mango Bay? Mango Bay works on a specific concept: eco friendliness. Each part of the hospitality experience is made in an eco friendly way. Mango Bay also lessens its ecological footprints by supporting local community. The resort is furnished by wood timber, leaf thatch and locally made furniture. Sumptuous organic food either comes fresh from the sea from local fishermen or handpicked from the island’s vegetable gardens. Over the years, Mango Bay has also planted and nurtured over 7,000 trees in Phu Quoc’s forest. Among its future environmental projects is one that helps to protect coral reef in the area.

That is our key to success: provide great hospitality experience with something more. It is not for everybody but for the one loving nature, it is the best choice.

 Restaurant on the rock

What do you think of the concept Eco luxury travel? Is it a new and strange concept in tourism industry and in Vietnam in particular? Eco luxury travel is the future of tourism for 2 reasons: it is very trendy in Europe at the moment. People wish to pay more if it is eco. And secondly, our planet needs it, we need to avoid mass destructive tourism. It is new in Vietnam but it is such a green country with 2.000km of coast and wonderful forest. Eco tourism could be big in Vietnam.  

Does Luxury mean Expensive and Sumptuous only? Not anymore. It used to be that in the 80’s. Now, luxury is access to what you cannot have. Everybody got Ac and flat screen tivi in Europe. Guests are looking for relaxation, nature and friendly service. That is luxury for them

 The resort entrance

How do you evaluate Vietnamese & international travellers when they choose relax travel in Vietnam? Vietnam is at the beginning of relax travel trend. At the moment, it is mainly foreign tourists coming for a cultural tour and taking a beach extension. Not a lot of people come only to relax in Vietnam. Vietnamese tourist are a little bit different, they start to be a bigger part of our customers at Mango Bay. They do enjoy the concept a lot.

Some travelers who experienced relax travel in resorts in Thailand, Singapore… said that resorts in Vietnam mostly were built beautifully, beaches are even nicer but products and services are still far below standard. What do you think? It is unfair to compare those countries. Vietnam is new in the hospitality business. Service is not as good because there is a lack of experience in the country. That is changing. I remember how hard it was to find a restaurant manager 10 years ago. I got hundreds of CV now of people with a lot of experience. It will take time but Vietnam will go there.