Face-to-Face: Von Go
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This week, Travel Daily chats with Von Go, General Manager of Montigo Resorts Nongsa on the Indonesian island of Batam…
Q) Montigo Resorts currently operates in Batam; what do you offer that differentiates you from the competition?
Montigo Resorts unique concept and attractive value proposition is a five-star hospitality experience at an affordable price point. Its core concept is catering to multi-generational travellers, with an original and intuitive take on luxury – luxury would be about space, not just the materials used to build, and it would be about being able to have your own time.
The resort has three ‘zones’ – activities, social and relaxation zones, to engage each generation: parents, their children, and their grandparents. It would be possible to escape to each zone, while congregating at the restaurant, pool lounge or bar at the end of each day. With the luxury of space within the villas, we also cater to discerning couples in search of precious seclusion to groups of close friends.
Q) What are your main guest source markets (in terms of nationality) and are you seeing a rise in guests from Asia’s emerging markets, like China?
Our main guest source market comes from Singapore and visitors who are in Singapore but also wish to explore other neighbouring islands. This is primarily due to the proximity – we are only a half hour ferry trip from Singapore.
We are also seeing a rise in guests emerging markets such as Indonesia and China. We believe that this is due to the fact that inter-generational travel is currently quite popular, especially with Chinese travellers, and Montigo Resorts proposition on catering to multi-generational travellers appeals to them. Other source markets include South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Q) What trends are the Batam hotel sector currently experiencing, and is the Montigo Resorts seeing similar trends?
The Batam hotel sector is increasingly seeing an increase in MICE visitors, especially with incentive trips in particular. With tighter timeframes, schedules, budgets and Singapore companies looking for more bang for their buck, Batam is the perfect place to hold an incentive trip, as it is far away enough for it to be considered an overseas trip, but near enough to be at a suitable cost for companies.
Montigo Resorts is also seeing a similar trend and we believe that our resort is a popular choice with the range of facilities and activities available within. Some of our more popular team building activities include customising programmes with companies on their goals and objectives. Our villas come equipped with large shared spaces that ensure that company employees will always have the space and time (at their choosing) to speak and embark on activities together.
We also provide a suite of activities such as mangrove tours, firefly sightings, fishing trips, Nongsa beach bike tours, Kampong bike tours and Batam city tours. And for those who enjoy culinary, they can partake in our chef’s experience which include fishing and a cooking class.
Q) What do you believe needs to be done to improve the hospitality sector in Batam?
Batam is a popular destination for young millennials looking for weekend getaways with their friends/partners. Millennials today are more demanding and know what quality is, and they demand a good experience.
The challenge in the hospitality sector in Batam is to provide the right mix: an experience that meets their minimum standards of what a resort should provide and added to that enough of a differentiated experience that makes them want to come back. Many individuals are more affluent in terms of their taste, style and preference. With the competitive tourism industry, stronger tourism efforts need to be better placed. From attracting more international brands to operate in Batam; training and development of skills and knowledge for hospitality staff to educating Indonesians in Batam to blend cultural and social skills at customer service level.
The Indonesian government has been supportive with tourism trade in Batam. One such initiative is Nongsa Ferry Terminal is now part of the listed seaports which the government has authorised and offered visa-free entry for eligible travellers across the countries. Now, at least 45 countries can have a hassle-free visa travel without going through paper documents.
Q) What further developments can guests expect to see at the resort in the coming months/years?
Montigo Resorts has a few projects currently being developed. We have a line-up of water sports activities that will be available by end of this year. Our Residences and Studio Residences villas are also slated to be completed by year end 2015 and 2016 respectively. A new restaurant is also in the pipeline to provide more dining options for guests and residences.
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