HO CHI MINH CITY (July 29, 2024) – One of Vietnam’s largest hotel players has teamed up with the country’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines, to give some of the country’s most disadvantaged youth a taste of the warm hospitality both businesses are known for.
Following the success of a similar event last summer, Meliá Hotels International and Vietnam Airlines teamed up on July 23rd for the ‘Dream Day Trip,’ hosting 70 orphans from Nha Trang for an overnight stay at Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh.
The event marked the start of a long-term agreement between the Spanish hotel group and Vietnam Airlines with the intention of supporting local communities through once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each year Meliá will select a domestic destination where they have a hotel or resort and organize a fun-filled trip for disadvantaged Vietnamese youth to the location. The growing hotel group currently has 19 hotels spread across the country.
“The Dream Trip was founded on the belief that all children deserve the right to dream, grow up healthy, and shine in their own way, regardless of their circumstances,” explained Andrea Barbi, Meliá Hotels International’s head of marketing for APAC. “Through the signing of this agreement we can ensure that we’ll continue to brighten the lives of children in difficult circumstances for years to come.”
SpaceSpeakers Group and Vietnam Children’s Fund Social Enterprise Co., Ltd were also involved in this year’s special two-day event. SpaceSpeakers Group, who represent some of the country’s most popular musical artists, played a pivotal role by introducing the children to some of their idols before leading them through a dance party. Activities arranged by Meliá Vinpearl Cam Ranh included planting trees, a painting session and coconut leaf craft activity, and an outdoor team building activity.
“The impact these fun-filled activities had on the children was expressed through their heartfelt smiles and laughter,’ said Mario Caballero, cluster general manager for Melia Vinpearl South and Phu Quoc. “It was with great joy that we could provide the backdrop for such an important event.”
“Through coming together with organizations and businesses that are passionate about our country we believe we can make a difference in these children’s lives,” said Mr. Do Dong Hung, marketing manager of Vietnam Airlines. “This Dream Trip was an unforgettable experience for all those involved.”
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are an essential part of Meliá Hotels International’s worldwide vision and the hotel group was named in the latest Sustainability Yearbook by S&P Global as one of the top-performing hotel companies globally.
“We are committed to bringing this vision to Vietnam,” added Andrea. “The Dream Trip represents a significant step towards our vision for CSR, as we join forces with Vietnam Airlines to impact the lives of Vietnamese children.”
