Da Nang: Chatbot on smart travel launched for APEC 2017

Chatbot Danang FanstatiCity is an all-in-one application providing tourists to the central coastal city of Da Nang with full travel information, local weather and road directions for free.

The chatbot, jointly launched by the municipal Department of Tourism and the Hekate Technology Joint Stock Company on the occasion of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week, is attached to the Danang FantasiCity Facebook’s fanpage and is compatible with smart phones using Android and IOS operating systems with Internet connection.

Accessing the application simply involves Messenger Code scanning or visiting m.me/visitdanang. Chatbot can communicate in English to help foreign visitors overcome language barriers.

The application helps ease workload at Da Nang’s tourist centres and serves as a helpful channel for visitors to the city during the APEC 2017 High-level Week.

With chatbot launch, Da Nang joins Singapore as the two first cities in Southeast Asia to use chatbots.

Chatbot is an artificial intelligence technology that allows a computer to communicate with people. Receiving users’ requests through texting or speech, chatbot will automatically and quickly respond the right answer.

In the context of strong fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) as well as insufficiency of tourism workforce, chatbot will serve as a smart tool for local tourism.

Da Nang has grown in stature as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Last year, 5.6 million visitors, including 1.66 million foreigners, spent their holiday in the city. The figure is expected to increase in 2017 and following years.