Why has a French channel started developing in Vietnam?
Éric Simard - Vietnam 'opened its doors' to foreign investors in the early 1990s. It goes without saying that the historical link between Vietnam and France and Indochina in general played a major role in this decision. There was also the fact that the investors were pioneers in this field. Today, Victoria is still the largest French investor in the hotel sector in Vietnam.
What are the development priorities for your fleet?
É. S. - With already five destinations in Vietnam (Phan Thiet, Sapa, Can Tho, Chau Doc) and one in Cambodia (Angkor), our hotel portfolio consists of 560 "keys". Today, we're turning our attention to Laos, the last country in the former Indochina where we don't have a presence. Of course, Vientiane and Luang Prabang come to mind, but there are other destinations too....
What makes Victoria a French brand, even though it has no presence in France?
É. S. - The atmosphere: charming hotels with French colonial "Indochina" style architecture, decorated with Vietnamese or Cambodian furniture and local handicrafts. Management: hotel management is French-speaking, with a hotelier's mindset and not just that of a business manager. They are close to their customers and listen to them, and this can be felt at every level of the hotel.
