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BIZ TRAVELER

center with virtual reality games, a kids’ club, putting green, open-air exercise stations, and
a water sports center, a gymnasium and yoga a giant chess board.
room, sporting facilities, including an 18-
hole putting green, and a mini-supermarket. Overcoming challenging times
There is also a 70-seat cinema with a pop- According to Mr. Koerner, since opening
corn concession, and the resort has also estab- and operating during the pandemic, Alma
lished an outdoor cinema under the stars Resort has achieved admirable occupancy as
that’s hugely popular with guests. high as almost 80 per cent despite the huge
With 13 separate treatment villas named challenges facing the tourism industry.
after Vietnamese flowers, Le Spa leverages “Despite the challenges stemming from the
Aromatherapy Associates products for treat- global pandemic, I must say that at Alma
ments that range from massages and facials Resort we are doing relatively well amid the
to body wraps, scrubs, nail care, and hair care. current climate compared to traditional hotels
The resort’s 12 pools cascade down to the and resorts,” he said. “This is because we
beach and include a 75-meter beachfront have a mixed business model, comprising With the borders in
pool for laps and an adults-only pool. Cabanas vacation ownership and the traditional hotel Vietnam still closed
and loungers dot the pools’ terraces. A lazy business. This mixed business model is behind to international travelers,
river runs through the 6,000 sq m Splash our strong occupancy, which is three times
Water Park, which also features a wave pool, the average of other resorts in the destination.” the role of domestic travel
a kids’ pool, and water slides. At Alma Resort, the safety and wellbeing at present is everything.”
Adjacent to a huge kids-only pool with of guests and employees have always been
fountains and water games, the Kids’ Club is given top priority. “We keep health, safety, MR. MARTIN KOERNER,
home to trampolines, ball pens, climbing and hygiene in mind with every single thing Commercial Director at Alma
frames, and arts and crafts. Our Active Youth we do,” Mr. Koerner said. From the very begin-
Club attracts teens with virtual reality games, ning, the resort has taken the threat of Covid-
table football, and billiard / pool tables. 19 very seriously and has strictly followed the
One of the first of its kind in Vietnam, the guidelines and recommendations from the tourism partners, such as the “Stay & Golf”
Science Museum promotes interactive learning Ministry of Health and local authorities to offer with the nearby Greg Norman-designed
through exhibits focused on discoveries that protect guests and staff and ultimately help KN Golf Links course. It also developed meet-
changed the world, such as electricity gener- prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the com- ing and events packages that take advantage
ation, motion pictures, magnetic fields, pulley munity. Other safety measures include request- of its exceptional meeting, conference, and
systems, and more. ing guests fill in a health declaration using a entertainment facilities, as well as special
Seating 400, the Alma Amphitheater hosts QR code upon check-in, and furnishing them getaway experiences designed for people who
live concerts and cultural shows, while the with an electronic Covid-19 information kit. want to celebrate a special occasion or simply
Alma Convention Center is comparable to In addition to a host of health, safety, and relax and have fun. “Our partnerships with
convention centers found in major cities hygiene measures, the resort also started an other industry stakeholders have played an
worldwide. “Employee Responsibility Program” for all important role in developing our products
The resort’s sporting facilities include a staff, and conducts staff training as well as and ensuring they are well received,” Mr.
water sports center offering pursuits such as other measures to keep the community safe. Koerner said. “These partnerships also ensure
kayaking and bodyboarding, a beachfront In order to remain attractive among guests that we are working together and supporting
football field, tennis, basketball, and volleyball in these challenging times, the resort has also one another when the tourism industry needs
courts, an outdoor archery range, an 18-hole created a wide selection of packages with this more than ever before.” %

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