- Photos
- Conference Agenda
Saturday – 25th November
Welcome to all City Sightseeing Delegates – Noi Bai International Airport (All Day)
Transfer from airport to hotel – Registration and Welcome Pack
7:15 City Sightseeing Run through the historic city centre
8:45 City Sightseeing Hanoi bus tour & Official picture of the CS Annual Conference 2023 attendees & Guided visit to the French Quarter
Dress code: City Sightseeing polo shirt
12:30 Free time
Lunch at a restaurant of your choice
14:00 Departure to the hotel (optional)
15:00 Sports Competitions & Leisure Activities:
• Vespa tour
• Jeep tour
• Cooking workshop
• 5th CS Golf Tournament
19:15 Departure for the Welcome Dinner at Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique hotel
Dress code: Smart casual (outdoor dining)
Sunday – 26th November
Welcome to all City Sightseeing Delegates – Noi Bai International Airport
Transfer from airport to hotel – Registration and Welcome Pack
8:00 Day-trip departure
10:30 Halong Bay boat tour
Discover one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and take part in different activities:
• Visit to Sung Son Cave
• Kayaking
• Swimming
Dress code: We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and consider bringing extra clothes in case you get wet during the activities.
13:00 Lunch
Taste a selection of local specialities on board.
17:00 Return to Hanoi
Free evening
Monday – 27th November
9:00 Host welcome
Enrique Ybarra
President & CEO, City Sightseeing Worldwide
Mr. Nguyen Tat Hieu
General Director, City Sightseeing Vietnam
Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen
Vice Chairman, Hanoi People’s Committee
9:20 City Sightseeing Vietnam
Vu An Giang
9:35 Keynote Speaker: ‘Travel Industry Trends & Insights’
Sarah Wang
Regional Director, WTTC
10:00 Coffee Break
10:30 City Sightseeing Worldwide Update
Enrique Ybarra
Founder & CEO, City Sightseeing Worldwide
10:50 City Sightseeing Cares
María Molina & Julia Ybarra
CS Cares Ambassadors
City Sightseeing Worldwide
11:10 ‘Tech News’
Carlos Monsalve
Head of IT, City Sightseeing Worldwide
11:35 ‘Trade Sales Update: The best is yet to come!’
Chelsey Smith
Head of Distribution, City Sightseeing Worldwide
12:00
‘Brand & the New Era of Communication’
Rocío Aparcero
Head of Marketing & Communications, City Sightseeing Worldwide
Antonio M. Ortega
Senior Corporate Communications Manager, City Sightseeing Worldwide
12:20 Lunch
13:30 ‘Reviews and refund tools for branding’
Carmen Valero
Customer Success Manager, City Sightseeing Worldwide
13:50 Workshop 1: Customer Service
Participation of all attendees.
14:30 Workshop 1 wrap-up & conclusions
14:50 Keynote Speaker: ‘Outlook for Asia 2024’
Hannah Pearson
Founding Partner, Pear Anderson
15:10 Coffee Break
‘Drop-in’ cruise session with Chelsey Smith & Pilar Lobo
15:40 Partner presentation: ‘Beyond the Bus’
Josef Birchler
CPO & General Manager, Palisis
15:50 Partner presentation: ‘The Next Chapter in Tour Experiences’
Lola Holgado
CS/ST Project Liaison
Gonçalo Miragaia
Lead Content Designer, Spinach Tours
16:00 Workshop 2: ESG
Participation of all attendees.
16:40 Workshop 2 wrap-up & conclusions
17:00 End of Business Day 1
18:15 Departure to the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Dress code: Formal (suite and tie, outdoor dining)
Tuesday – 28th November
9:30 Keynote Speaker
Ignacio Martín
Managing Director Asia Pacific, Meliá Hotels International
9:50 Q&A with Ric Corbett
Director of Operations and Enterprise Solutions, BeMyGuest
10:10 Coffee Break
10:40 Keynote speaker: ‘Harnessing generative AI to transform the sightseeing experience’
Marius Nigond
CEO, iWander
11:00 Workshop 3: Artificial Intelligence
Participation of all attendees.
11:40 Workshop 3 wrap-up & conclusions
12:00 Partner presentation: ‘Differentiate by technology, creating the ultimate City Experience’
Simon Korper
General Manager, Prioticket
12:10 Keynote speaker
‘China Market Workshop: Travel Trade & Consumer Overview’
Andrés Rodríguez
Market Development Director, Dragon Trail International
12:30 Conference Overview & Open Forum / Q&A
12:35 Lunch
End of Conference
- Speakers
Sarah Wang
Sarah Wang
Regional Director for Asia, World Travel &
Tourism Council
WTTC
Sarah is a highly experienced professional with over 15 years of cross-industry experience. She is a passionate advocate for international cooperation and cross-cultural exchange, with a wealth of practical experience. Currently, Sarah is the Regional Director for Asia of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), where she is responsible for delivering the strategy and development across the region. Prior to this, she worked at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) headquarters in Madrid, where she coordinated and implemented tourism research and development projects in the Asia-Pacific region. After returning to China, Sarah joined the China National Convention Center, Previously, Sarah was CEO of venue management BU of Innolink Group.
Marius Nigond
Marius Nigond
Founder & CEO
iWander
Marius is a serial travel entrepreneur and product-focused founder. Prior to founding iWander, Marius was the CEO and founder of Vidi Guides, an industry leading self-guided tour platform and was also a co-founder of BookVolts, the world’s first decentralized publishing platform. He started his career in Marketing and Product Development at l’Oréal. iWander.io is a revolutionary new product powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) allowing tourists to generate their own self- guided audio tours and travel guides. No need to book a tour, buy a guidebook or take a chance on ChatGPT. Tourists can now visit any destination or point of interest in the world with a personal tour guide, enabling them to explore at their own pace and according to their own interests.
Hannah Pearson
Hannah Pearson
Founding Partner
Pear Anderson
Hannah Pearson is the Director of Pear Anderson, a research and sales representation tourism consultancy specialising in the Southeast Asian tourism industry. She is also the Regional Director APAC for the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Over the past 11 years, Hannah has crisscrossed the region and gained a deep, first-hand insight into the developing trends and potential of the Southeast Asian travel industry. Since February 2020, she has published a weekly report tracking the recovery of the SE Asian tourism industry, and co-hosts a podcast, The South East Asia Travel Show. Hannah has authored reports and whitepapers, and has spoken on numerous occasions at prestigious travel conferences such as Arival Activate Bangkok, Royal Geographical Society’s Annual Conference and ITB Asia.
Ignacio Martín
Ignacio Martín
Managing Director Asia Pacific
Meliá Hotels International
Melia Hotels International’s Managing Director Asia Pacific, Ignacio Martin, has been with the Spanish hotel group for the last three decades. After beginning his career in Madrid, (Spain), Ignacio has worked in Germany, Cuba, where he spent 11 years in management roles in resort and city destinations; and Asia Pacific, where he held management and strategic positions for a decade in both hotel and corporate levels. Over the course of his career, he has led hotels to success in multiple General Manager positions including in China’s most luxurious property Gran Melia Xian. In his current role as Managing Director Asia Pacific, Ignacio is responsible for Melia’s performance, expansion, and owner relationship in the region, where the hotel group already has a presence in six countries.
Andrés Rodríguez
Andrés Rodríguez
Market Development Director
Dragon Trail International
Andrés has a solid background in the Chinese travel market, having lived in China for eight years, six of which working in the travel industry. Before joining Dragon Trail, Andrés worked in marketing & business development for two different Beijing-based DMCs. He also worked in the past for the global research firm YouGov, having conducted extensive research on the travel industry in Italy and Europe. Andrés has served at Dragon Trail as the main liaison for many entities in Europe including Valencia and Madrid Regions, Turespaña, and ENIT.
Ric Corbett
Ric Corbett
Director of Operations and Enterprise
Solutions
BeMyGuest
As the Director of Operations and Enterprise Solutions at BeMyGuest, Ric Corbett has strategically led supplier management, customer service, and the implementation of the company’s booking system, Xplore, for the past three years. With an MBA from the University of Nottingham, Ric began his career with nine years of service in the Royal Air Force (UK) before transitioning to the private sector, where he co-founded a sportswear distribution platform and worked as a project management consultant in the UK and Saudi Arabia. In 2018, he relocated to Singapore to manage Mega Adventure in Sentosa and co-found two additional startups prior to his current role at BeMyGuest.
- Guide
General Info
Official name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Size: 331 210 km2
Boundaries: Bordered to the north by China and to the west by Laos and Cambodia, to the east and south by East or South China Sea.
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. Ethnic groups living in the rural areas or near the borders, such as the Hmong, Thai or Khmer, usually have their own languages.
Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Make sure you have some local currency for small purchases, as not all places accept credit cards.
Religion: The most practiced religions in Vietnam are:
9.3% – Buddhist;
6.7% – Catholic;
1.5% – Cao Dai;
0.5% – Protestant Christians;
80% – No religion.
What to see
Hanoi is a fascinating city full of history and culture.
To see all of Hanoi’s highlights, it’s best to take the City Sightseeing bus, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. The bus operates every 60 minutes from 9:15am to 5:15pm. The tour starts at Frog Flower Garden.
Best places to visit
Hanoi Cathedral: Nestled in the bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi Cathedral is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s winding streets, nearby temples and local street food.
Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful escape from the frenetic city, Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by beautiful grounds and is steeped in the legend of the Returned Sword.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Built to honour Ho Chi Minh, the former Prime Minister and President of Vietnam, the mausoleum is one of Hanoi’s most important landmarks. After visiting, take a stroll through the nearby botanical gardens.
Weather
Coming soon.
Restaurants
Vietnamese Food
Vietnamese food is delicious and varied, with fresh ingredients and distinctive flavours. In Hanoi, you have to try traditional dishes such as pho, a rice noodle soup, bun cha, rice noodles with grilled meat, and banh mi, the famous Vietnamese sandwich.
The Symphony Restaurant
📍 No. 01 Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Located on the 7th floor of La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel & Spa, The Symphony offers creative Asian-European fusion cuisine in an elegant setting with views over Hoan Kiem Lake.
Madame Hien Restaurant
📍 48 Hàng Bè, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
A Vietnamese restaurant inspired by traditional cuisine and the culinary heritage of Hanoi, combining authentic Vietnamese flavours with French influences.
Hanoi Garden Restaurant
📍 36 Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
A long-established restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, offering modern Vietnamese cuisine inspired by traditional home cooking. Its Indochine-style setting includes a charming courtyard.
Tầm Vị
📍 4B Yên Thế, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa, Hanoi, Vietnam
A Vietnamese restaurant specialising in traditional local cuisine, offering a taste of classic Vietnamese flavours in a setting inspired by the country’s culinary heritage.
HOME Vietnamese Restaurant
📍 75 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Lê Đại Hành, Hai Bà Trưng, Hanoi, Vietnam
A Vietnamese restaurant offering traditional local dishes in a warm and welcoming setting, with a menu designed to showcase the flavours and culinary traditions of Vietnam.
Nightlife
Vietnamese Nightlife
Step into Hanoi’s lively nocturnal scene for bustling street markets, vibrant bars and unique cultural encounters, creating a memorable evening ambience.
Bars
Heydon Origin
📍 61 P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hybra Ultra Lounge
📍 32 P. Mã Mây, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Garbo Bar – Melia Hanoi
📍 44B P. Lý Thường Kiệt, Trần Hưng Đạo, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Rooftops
Moonlight Sky Bar
📍 94 P. Mã Mây, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Rooftop
📍 35 P. Hàng Dầu, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
27A P. Hàng Bè
📍 27A P. Hàng Bè, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Pubs/Clubs
Polite & Co
📍 5B Ng. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
1900 Club Hanoi
📍 8B P. Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
02 Space
📍 18 P. Lương Ngọc Quyến, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Spas
Spas & Wellness Centres
Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a relaxing wellness experience in Hanoi.
Mayflower Hotel Hanoi
📍 11 P. Hàng Rươi, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Shining Central Hotel & Spa
📍 20 P. Lò Sũ, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
La Beauté De Hanoi Hotel
📍 15 Ng. Trung Yên, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi Old Quarter Spa
📍 18 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
La Belle Vie Spa Massage
📍 48 P. Lương Văn Can, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Urban Oasis Spa
📍 39A Ng. Hàng Hành, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Ha Noi Classic Spa & Delivery Massage Service
📍 11 P. Hàng Dầu, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa
📍 33–35 P. Hàng Dầu, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Lá Spa – Massage & Gội Đầu Dưỡng Sinh
📍 67 P. Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Spa T&H Gội Đầu Dưỡng Sinh Đông Y – Massage Body-Foot
📍 36 P. Gia Ngư, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Shopping
Shopping
Discover Hanoi’s lively markets, traditional shops and modern shopping centres, from the bustling Old Quarter to luxury shopping around Ly Thai To Street.
Hoan Kiem & Old Quarter
From Friday evening throughout the weekend, the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter come alive with the Hanoi Night Market. Dong Xuan Market is another must-visit, offering everything from textiles to local products.
Trang Tien Plaza
📍 24 P. Hai Bà Trưng, Tràng Tiền, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Emergency
Phones
Prefix code: +84
Police: 113
Fire Department: 114
Ambulance/Medical emergency: 115
Hospitals
Hanoi French Hospital
📍 1 Phuong Mai St., Dong Da District
- Conference Hotel
Meliá Hanoi
A comfortable and well-located hotel that fits our City Sightseeing partners’ needs perfectly while in Vietnam. With an unbeatable city centre location, this modern hotel offers first-class facilities and exceptional service, allowing you to enjoy top-class accommodation while you discover one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations.
For more information visit the Meliá Hanoi hotel website.
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