Brett Burton, GM of Furama Resort, Furama Villas, Ariyana Convention Centre, and Ariyana Beach Resort and Suites Danang: “Our in-house recreational and event teams are dedicated to creating tailor-made themes and personalised concepts to match diverse clientele demands.” Photo Credit: Furama
DANANG – Danang’s reputation as a city with a strong MICE infrastructure and robust support by local associations and tourism bodies, will continue to be a strong factor to help the industry find creative solutions to its current challenges.
One of the biggest MICE stakeholders in Danang is Furama. Mr Brett Burton, the newly appointed GM of Furama Resort, Furama Villas, Ariyana Convention Centre, and Ariyana Beach Resort and Suites Danang, said one of the key challenges of promoting Danang as an ideal MICE destination is the lack of international flight connections as compared to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
“However, we highly appreciate the tireless efforts put in by Danang Department of Tourism, Danang Center for Tourism Promotion, Danang Hotel Association (DHA), Travel Agent Association (DATA) and Tourism Association (DTA) in promoting the destination, their participation in roadshows and in organising frequent FAM trips.
“Ariyana Convention Centre, as a business enterprise, has our part to play in helping Danang fulfil both outbound/inbound visitors’ goal, and help air carriers to maximise their load-factors, ultimately attaining profitability for the tourism industry.
Ariyana Convention Centre: Danang is a base for exploring four UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites: the former imperial city of Hue; the ancient city of Hoi An; Champa Ruins in My Son; and Phong Nha Caves. Photo Credit: Furama
“Besides, under the ownership of SOVICO Group – our holding company - is also VietJet Air - which is very active in destination promotions and bringing important international events to Danang,” he said.
Mr Burton has worked in Asia for 24 years. Prior to joining Furama, he was the Area GM of Banyan Tree & Angsana Lang Co. He has held senior positions with Mandarin Oriental and Hyatt International.
Furama will focus on the domestic MICE market for the remainder of 2020 and work closely with the Department of Tourism Danang and representatives in its target markets (including China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and ASEAN), to continuously promote Danang as a safe and friendly destination.
In addition, its sales and marketing team will focus on our high-calibre MICE products and services to markets under development, including India, Russia, US, Europe and Australia.
The Ariyana Convention Centre – Vietnam’s only oceanfront convention centre, was built to government requirements to host the high-profile APEC Summit 2017, and has become the MICE landmark of Danang for its popularity in gaining large-scale international and local events.
With its connection to the existing International Convention Palace of ICP, Danang has the largest MICE facilities in Central Vietnam with the total capacity of 5,000 people and can host 60 concurrent sessions.
Mr Burton added: “Besides, we pride ourselves in the fact that the Furama Resort Danang is called the culinary resort of Vietnam, due to our passion and tireless efforts in preserving the authenticity in each cuisine that we serve. Moreover, our in-house recreational and event teams are dedicated to creating tailor-made themes and personalized concepts to match diverse clientele demands.”