26/07/2024
Exclusive Interview: Proving that Luxury and Sustainability Can Go Hand in Hand – Dr. Pham Ha’s Vision for Sustainable Cruises
Welcome to an exclusive interview with Dr. Pham Ha, the visionary Founder and CEO of LuxGroup. Dr. Ha has been a pioneering force in the luxury travel industry, elevating heritage tourism and blending opulence with sustainability to create unforgettable experiences on the water. Today, we delve into his journey, insights, and the innovative approaches Lux Cruises Group, Vietnam’s First Boutique Cruise Line™, is taking to lead the way in sustainable tourism.
International Sustainability Awards (ISA): Dr. Ha, your journey with Lux Cruises Group is truly inspiring. Please share what sparked your passion for luxury cruises, and how this vision came to life?
Dr. Pham Ha: My passion for cruising stems from a childhood dream that began when I was 10 years old in 1985. That year, I embarked on a memorable journey from Haiphong to Saigon, marveling at the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam's coastline. This voyage ignited a lifelong ambition to create luxury cruise experiences that blend elegance, history, and cultural authenticity.
Inspired by the last ruler, Emperor Bao Dai, the Keeper of Greatness of the Nguyen Dynasty, I launched Emperor Cruises Origin Nha Trang in 2015 and Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong in 2017, with a focus on heritage tourism and sustainable cruising. Each cruise offers an immersive journey through time, connecting guests to Vietnam's rich heritage while providing unparalleled luxury and service. My dedication to this vision ensures that every voyage is an unforgettable experience.
Celebrating 10 years of excellence in cruising and sustainability, we are launching Amiral Cruises for Presidents, a voyage through time on the Saigon River, and Emperor Cruises Grandeur Nha Trang, designed for 300 heritage travelers who explore, discover, learn, respect, celebrate, and enjoy. My biggest dream is to cruise along Vietnam's coastline on a made-in-Vietnam cruise ship flying the Vietnamese flag, docking at the most iconic seaports in Vietnam, and sailing to regional port calls. Our strategy is to go blue sea with a fleet of 30 ships by 2045.
ISA: Luxury and sustainability can often seem at odds. How have you managed to create an exquisite, high-end experience on your cruises while remaining committed to eco-friendly practices?
DPH: For us, sustainability is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Lux Cruises Group is deeply rooted in cultural heritage, bringing stories, local arts, and traditions to life on every voyage. Our cruises, inspired by historical figures like Emperor Bao Dai and entrepreneur Bach Thai Buoi, offer unique, authentic experiences.
We provide an immersive journey through Vietnam's rich past, with full-window views, natural light, solar lighting, no plastic, and net-zero practices. Celebrating 10 years of excellence, we are launching Amiral Cruises for Presidents on the Saigon River and Emperor Cruises Grandeur Nha Trang, blending luxury and sustainability.
ISA: Lux Cruises Group has been recognized for promoting sustainable tourism by the International Sustainability Awards 2024. Can you give us a sneak peek into the unique, eco-conscious features onboard your ships that make a voyage with Lux Cruises Group so special?
DPH: Absolutely! At Lux Cruises Group, we pride ourselves on integrating sustainability into every aspect of our operations. Here are some unique, eco-conscious features onboard our ships that make a voyage with Lux Cruises Group truly special:
Eco-friendly Design: Our ships are designed with full-window views from floor to ceiling, allowing for natural light to flood the suites, reducing the need for artificial lighting and minimizing energy consumption.
No Plastic Policy: We have eliminated single-use plastics onboard. Guests are provided with refillable water bottles, and water stations are conveniently located throughout the ship.
Net-Zero Practices: We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions. Our ships utilize advanced energy-efficient technologies and practices to minimize our carbon footprint.
Waste Management: Comprehensive waste management systems are in place to ensure that all waste is sorted, recycled, and disposed of responsibly.
Locally Sourced Ingredients: Our culinary and drinks offerings feature locally sourced, organic ingredients, supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food and drink transportation.
Cultural Immersion: We focus on providing authentic experiences that promote local culture, arts, heritage, and traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation and respect for the destinations we visit.
ISO Certifications: We adhere to ISO 9001, 14001, and 26000 standards, ensuring high-quality service, environmental responsibility, and social accountability.
Education and Awareness: We educate our guests about sustainable practices and the importance of preserving the environment, encouraging them to participate in eco-friendly activities and initiatives.
These features reflect our commitment to sustainable tourism, making every voyage with Lux Cruises Group not only luxurious but also environmentally conscious and culturally enriching.
ISA: Your cruises are renowned for their luxurious experiences. How do you ensure these indulgences don't compromise your dedication to sustainability?
DPH: Our mission is to deliver happiness through passion, purpose, people, planet, place, profit, partnership, and prosperity. At Lux Cruises Group, we seamlessly blend luxury with sustainability to create extraordinary experiences without compromising our commitment to the environment.
ISA: Many travelers are increasingly eco-conscious. How do you engage and educate your guests about sustainability, turning a luxury cruise into an enlightening experience?
DPH: At Lux Cruises Group, we are dedicated to turning luxury cruises into enlightening experiences by engaging and educating our guests about sustainability. We provide pre-departure briefings, onboard workshops and lectures, eco-tours and excursions, interactive exhibits, sustainable dining, and educational materials to ensure our guests enjoy a luxurious experience while contributing positively to the planet.
ISA: Collaboration often leads to innovation. Can you share some of the exciting partnerships Lux Cruises Group has formed to enhance your sustainability efforts?
DPH: Collaboration drives our innovation and sustainability. Through strategic partnerships with LuxGroup Foundation for Charity, the History to Life Project, the Lan Ha Cruise Association, NGOs for Cat Ba Conservation, and ethnic minority support in Ha Giang, we create luxurious, environmentally responsible, and socially impactful experiences.
ISA: Sustainability in the luxury sector poses unique challenges. What obstacles have you faced in this journey, and what creative solutions have you implemented to overcome them?
DPH: We've faced challenges such as balancing luxury and sustainability, reducing plastic usage, waste management, energy consumption, community impact, and guest engagement. Our solutions include eco-friendly designs, no plastic policies, comprehensive waste management systems, energy-efficient technologies, community engagement initiatives, and guest education programs.
ISA: Looking to the future, what groundbreaking initiatives or innovations can we expect from Lux Cruises Group to further elevate both luxury and sustainability in your offerings?
DPH: Lux Cruises Group is committed to pioneering initiatives that elevate both luxury and sustainability. Our vision includes the launch of greener cruise lines, the integration of advanced eco-friendly technologies, the LuxGroup Foundations, and projects that reflect our philosophy of authentic cultural experiences coexisting with modern luxury and environmental stewardship.
Thank you, Dr. Pham Ha, for your time and for sharing your inspiring journey and innovative vision with us. Your dedication to merging luxury with sustainability not only sets Lux Cruises Group apart but also paves the way for the future of responsible tourism. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work and the exciting new ventures that lie ahead. Safe travels and smooth sailing!
Your journey to luxury begins here: Lux Cruises Group
About International Sustainability Awards
The International Sustainability Awards is a symbol of trust earned by those committed to sustainable business practices, positively impacting nature, society, and the future of our planet. It acknowledges individuals, companies, corporations, programs, and projects prioritizing environmental sustainability. The International Sustainability Awards aim to inspire and promote sustainable practices, encouraging others to raise awareness and contribute to global sustainable development. By showcasing success stories, it aims to attract international attention, turning sustainability solutions into opportunities and motivating businesses to actively participate in creating a sustainable future. For more information, please visit: International Sustainability Awards
