Anton Bespalov - The GM who can't stop falling in love with Vietnam - Thien Minh Group | TMG

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Anton Bespalov - The GM who can't stop falling in love with Vietnam

TMG – He has stayed in Vietnam for ten years due to love and keeps devoting himself to Thien Minh Group’s growth because of all the trust he has got. He is Anton Bespalov, TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An’s newly appointed General Manager.

After busily being appointed General Manager of TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An, holding a 5-star recognition ceremony for the resort, and more, Anton Bespalov finally had time to sit and talk about his work and career.

1. Good morning Anton. Can you introduce yourself briefly to our readers?

I’m Anton Bespalov, from Russia and 41 years old. I moved to Vietnam in 2012 to visit my university mate, who opened a local Russian DMC, and I liked Vietnam so much that I decided to stay a bit longer than my travel plan, and it’s already been ten years.

2. What did it feel like to be appointed as TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An General Manager, and held a ceremony of receiving its 5-star recognition by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) later?

It’s my big honor, a new challenge, and an important milestone in my career to take the role of GM at the idyllic TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An resort. I’m grateful for the tremendous support I have received from both TUI and TMG and appreciate greatly the confidence and continuous trust of Mr. Kien throughout the path of my career, firstly as GM at a resort once a member of TMG and now as GM of so lovely and beautiful TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An resort.

It gives me the drive and energy to set high targets, lead the team, and go above and beyond expectations.

3. Before TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An, have you ever traveled to the region?

I have been a few times in Quang Nam before, and now I’m blessed to have a chance to live here and to know the area much better and discover the germs and the hidden charm of this beautiful province, also to create amazing experiences for our guests and make them love Vietnam as I do.

4. You have already spent quite some time working in Vietnam's tourism industry. Can you tell us a little bit more about your feelings towards this country and its people? Are you planning to stay in Vietnam forever?

As I mentioned, I love Vietnam, its people, and its culture and I will be happy to stay longer in this beautiful country.

5. From a GM's point of view, what is your take on TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An?

Our resort is located in the pristine area of Tam Tien – the best beach in Vietnam. It is close to Hoi An city, which, for instance, was listed within the top 25 best world cities by Travel & Leisure magazine. Twenty-five hectares of lush tropical gardens, 318 rooms ranging from modern Superior and elegant Suites to luxury and sophisticated Royal beachfront pool villas.

The unique experience we create for our guests is based on the holistic concept of a healthy balance between comfort and deep dive into the local culture, fine dining, local cuisine specialties, and a diversified range of fitness, sports activities, and entertainment.

Our dedicated team looks after every guest’s needs and preferences and successfully provides the best service.

6. Speaking of the team, may I ask if you are doing great with the staff? Do you guys click?

One of my key principles is to treat colleagues fairly and create an engaging and motivating working environment for all with clear growth opportunities. In return, we gain the team’s unity and loyalty and great support for all our operational needs.

7. Can you share with us your plans to develop this resort for the rest of 2022 and the coming years?

No doubt, we are growing consistently into a sustainable and profitable property with a great team who is exceeding our guests’ expectations.

8. As far as I know, you’re someone committed to sustainable development. How do you intend to apply that standard to TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An?

Sustainable growth is getting increasingly popular, and for me, it’s not just a trendy word but a focus of my planning and decision-making. I truly believe responsible tourism from both travelers and the hospitality industry will make our world a better place. Our sustainable initiatives are related to 3 key aspects:

Environmental: zero plastic target in our operations, waste management, and garbage sorting, reusing of water and energy saving solutions, water filter plant and water refill stations, own organic garden and farm-to-table healthy menu, Clean up days, etc.;

Social: local community support as suppliers and producers, creating jobs and supporting internships, integrating local residents into our team, healthy and safe working environment, promotion of local attraction sites, culture, and heritage, cooperation with non-profit organizations, fair and respectful attitude to all our guests and visitors

Governance: transparent and accurate accounting and integrity of our operational standards.

We are currently applying for Travelife certification and will share our news and initiatives.

Launched in 2007 by ABTA – the UK Travel Association and the Dutch ANVR Travel Association, Travelife is an internationally recognised sustainability certification programme that helps tourism companies improve their social, environmental, and economic impacts.

9. Is there any word for international travelers you would like to share at the end of this interview?

While we are just recently opened, we have a lot of fantastic reviews from our guests on social media, and I would share one.

Thank you for your time. I wish you, the team at TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An, and the resort a lot of success.

TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An is jointly developed by Thien Minh Group (TMG), Vietnam’s leading tour operator, and TUI AG, the World’s leading tour operator. Opened in the summer of 2020, it managed to sustain Covid-19 and many natural calamities such as storms and typhoons in 2020/2021. As a member of TMG, TUI BLUE Nam Hoi An is committed to making thousands of travellers happy and showing the best Vietnam has to offer to the World and our Vietnamese explorers.

LEADERS TALK