Tourism Expert Network
Independent network of national and international experts and researchers
Build a network of international, Swiss and Vietnamese tourism experts to coordinate resources towards activities that promote sustainable tourism development in Vietnam. The Tourism Experts Network is an independent network of international, Swiss, and Vietnamese consultants and researchers working in the field of tourism and hospitality. Network members have in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in tourism development, investment promotion, destination management, destination promotion and tourism product building. The network was established based on Swiss standards and values, to transfer international expertise and experience suitable to the context in Vietnam.
Project Team Lead
Destination Management Organisation, certification program and community-based tourism development
Mr. Messmer brings over 20 years of extensive international experience in sustainable tourism development, with a particular focus on nature and culture-based tourism. He has successfully led multiple high-impact programs, including three terms as Chief of Party (Team leader) for USAID-funded tourism initiatives in Morocco, Egypt and Armenia, where he worked closely with government ministries and private sector stakeholders to enhance community-based tourism, strengthen institutional capacity, and attract responsible private investment.
From 2020 to 2024, he led the USAID Integrated Management of Cultural Tourism (IMCT) Activity in Egypt, engaging with both heritage authorities and the private sector to promote authentic and experiential travel. His earlier work with the Smithsonian Institution’s “My Armenia” program exemplifies his expertise in linking tourism with cultural preservation and local economic development.
Mr. Messmer holds strong experience in tourism regulatory environment, destination management, community-based tourism development and certification programs. He has two Master degrees from Kedge Business School, France and the Rotterdam Business School, The Netherlands and is fluent in French, English and Spanish.
Advisor Vocational Skills Development | Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
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.
Regional Director | EHL Group
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.
Senior Consultant, Sustainable Tourism | Clickable Impact Consulting Group
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.
Tiến sĩ, Giảng viên | Đại học RMIT Việt Nam
Quản lý điểm đến, Tiếp thị và xây dựng thương hiệu điểm đến, kỹ năng khởi nghiệp và quản lý cho doanh nghiệp du lịch vừa và nhỏ
TS. Trang có hơn 15 năm kinh nghiệm giảng dạy, nghiên cứu và tư vấn trong ngành du lịch. Bà đã nhận bằng tiến sĩ về Du lịch tại Việt Nam, bằng Diploma về Quản trị Du lịch từ Áo, và hai bằng MBA với thành tích xuất sắc từ Đức với học bổng của Áo và Đức. Các lĩnh vực nghiên cứu của bà bao gồm khởi nghiệp, quản lý điểm đến, ra quyết định kinh doanh, lãnh đạo, du lịch bền vững và tiếp thị.
TS. Trang tham gia vào các dự án tư vấn với PATA, ASEAN và các sáng kiến du lịch bền vững được tài trợ bởi Chính phủ Thụy Sỹ, đồng thời tích cực tham gia vào các chương trình đào tạo tại các khu vực nông thôn của Việt Nam. Bà cũng dẫn dắt các nỗ lực nghiên cứu đa ngành, đóng góp cho các tạp chí học thuật uy tín, nâng cao kiến thức trong lĩnh vực của mình, và tạo ảnh hưởng đến các thực hành du lịch ở Việt Nam. TS. Trang luôn kết nối với những cá nhân có chuyên môn và kinh nghiệm đáng kể từ nhiều lĩnh vực khác nhau.
Dr., Assistant Professor in Tourism & Entrepreneurship | VinUniversity
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.
Manager & Owner | Footprint Travel & Puluong Retreat EcoLodge
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.
Chief Commercial Officer | Imperial Hospitality Group
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.
Country HR Lead, Indochina & South Korea | Intercontinental Hotel Group
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.
Founder and CEO | Asia Pioneer Travel Co., Ltd and Biz Knowhow Co., Ltd
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.