Tourism Expert Network

Photo: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam

Independent network of local and International experts and researchers 

The Tourism Expert Network is an independent network comprising international, Swiss, and Vietnamese consulting experts and researchers working in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Members of this network possess deep expertise and many years of experience in tourism development, investment promotion, destination management, destination marketing, and tourism product development.

The network is established based on Swiss standards and values, aiming to transfer international expertise and experience tailored to the context in Vietnam.

NETWORK MEMBERS

Adrien Rebord
Adrien Rebord
Member

Advisor Vocational Skills Development | Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation

Expertises: Tourism, development cooperation, startup support

Adrien has been working in international development cooperation since 2013, gaining experience in sustainable tourism and hospitality development. Prior to joining Helvetas in 2018, he advised and implemented TVET projects in South and Southeast Asia. Adrien holds a Master’s degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (EHL) with a specialization in finance, and an Executive Master’s degree in Development Policy and Practice from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

Chen Bao
Member

Regional Director | EHL Group

Expertises: Hotel Investment and Development, Talent Development in Tourism Sector, Strategic tourism development

Chen Bao’s main responsibilities include business development and overall business operations, alignment with the EHL headquarters, formulating business plans, building and coaching teams, establishing products and service systems suit to the Asia market, as well as developing and iterating knowledge products and systems.
Chen closely oversees several higher education projects (EHL Certified Schools) and leads the development of vocational education and training centers (VET by EHL). In addition, Chen leads the team to develop full-cycle customer experience improvement solutions for leading companies in luxury, high-end property, retail, recreation and wellness, transportation, insurance and finance, and many other industries.

Chen holds an EMBA from Tsinghua University’s School of Economics and Management (SEM) and a Bachelor of Science from the École hôtelière de Lausanne.

Trang Nguyen
Member

Senior Consultant, Sustainable Tourism | Clickable Impact Consulting Group

Expertises: Sustainable tourism standards and certifications, destination management and planning, and community-led tourism development

Holding an Erasmus Mundus European Master in Tourism Management, Trang is a hands-on consultant with over a decade of professional experience as sustainable tourism specialist, CSR coordinator, community-based tourism project manager, and business development specialist in both public and private sectors across Southeast Asia. She has rich experiences in leading and implementing sustainability initiatives that contribute to the SDGs at both corporate and community levels. She possesses strong applied research and analytical skills on various development aspects including tourism policy and planning, destination management, and strategic communications. Trang is a GSTC trainer and an accredited auditor for Green Globe – the global leader in sustainable tourism certification.

Huong Trang Pham
Member

Dr., Lecturer | RMIT University Vietnam

Expertises: Destination management, destination marketing and branding, Entrepreneurship and managerial skills for SMEs in tourism

Dr. Trang has over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and industry consultancy. She holds a doctoral degree in Tourism from Vietnam, a Diploma in Tourism Management from Austria, and two MBA degrees with distinction from Germany, supported by Austrian and German scholarships. Her academic focus includes entrepreneurship, destination management, business decision-making, leadership, sustainable tourism, and marketing.

Dr. Trang has been involved in consultancy projects with PATA, ASEAN, and Swiss-funded sustainable tourism initiatives, and actively participated in training programs across rural Vietnam. She has also led multidisciplinary research efforts, contributing to recognized academic journals, advancing knowledge in her field, and influencing tourism practices in Vietnam and beyond. Dr. Trang consistently engages with individuals possessing significant expertise and experience across diverse backgrounds.

Giang Phi
Member

Dr., Assistant Professor in Tourism & Entrepreneurship | VinUniversity

Expertises: Sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, destination management

Dr. Giang is an award-winning researcher, educator and book author with over 10 years international experience in Sustainable tourism and social entrepreneurship. Dr. Giang holds a PhD from Griffith University, Australia (Tourism program ranked no. 3 globally). As a consultant, Dr. Giang has supported high-profile clients such as the European commission and Tourism Accommodation Australia. A global citizen who has lived in 5 countries across 4 continents, Dr. Giang recently worked as an A/professor in Copenhagen, Denmark and currently Vinuniversity, Vietnam.

Son Dang
Member

Manager & Owner | Footprint Travel & Puluong Retreat EcoLodge

Expertises: Sustainable tourism, product development and investment, and adventure travel

With 25 years of experience in tourism, I am the founder of Footprint Travel, Puluong Retreat, and the Responsible Travel Club. A seasoned expert in sustainable tourism, I’ve spearheaded numerous community-based tourism projects and product developments. My passion for hiking and adventure drives my commitment to creating meaningful travel experiences.

Xuan Phong Bui
Member

Deputy Chief Executive Officer | KLC Group

Expertises: Strategic Management, services management, human resources management

Phong is a Vietnamese author and hotel expert with over 30 years of experience in the service industry. He has written 8 influential books on hospitality and has held key leadership roles as CEO and General Manager at numerous hotels, resorts, and golf courses. Renowned for his expertise, Phong is a prominent figure in Vietnam’s hospitality sector, contributing significantly to its development and high service standards.

Thao Doan
Member

Country HR Lead, Indochina & South Korea | Intercontinental Hotel Group

Expertises: Human Resources, Learning and Development, Talent Management

With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Thao has gained expertise in hotel operations and as a Corporate HR Business Partner. Working with diverse backgrounds and generations, she has developed a deep understanding of the industry and its people.

Thao is passionate about fostering individual growth, believing that with the right support, everyone can achieve excellence. Committed to continuous improvement and lifelong learning, she strives to contribute meaningfully by leveraging her experience and dedication to both personal and professional development.

Quyen S. Le
Member

Founder and CEO | Asia Pioneer Travel Co., Ltd and Biz Knowhow Co., Ltd

Expertises: Tourism product development, tourism education and training, sustainable marketing for tourism

Quyen is a tourism expert with over 20 years of experience. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Diploma in Leadership and Sustainable Development. As the Founder and CEO of Asia Pioneer Travel, Quyen has shaped bespoke travel experiences since 2009. He also lectures at universities and founded Biz Knowhow in 2021, contributing significantly to corporate training and tourism education.

Tam Nguyen
Member

Managing Director | IBH Academy

Expertises: Training; Customer Service; Human Resources

Tam is a passionate, dedicated HR leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in human resources and training, known for driving organizational growth and fostering a culture of excellence.

Tam is adept at aligning HR and training strategies with business objectives, delivering tangible results in talent development, retention, and performance improvement. She is also a dynamic trainer in developing and implementing comprehensive tailor- made training programs.

Dang Phuong Anh

Human Resources Development Manager

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