Smart Tourism Takes Center Stage: Vietnam's Digital Transformation in Travel

Service robots in the tourism sector (Photo: hanoimoi.vn)

Vietnam Embraces Technology to Enhance Tourist Experiences

In the age of rapid technological advancements, Vietnam is stepping up its game by integrating digital tools into its tourism sector. From historical sites in Hanoi to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the country is leveraging the power of digital transformation to meet the changing expectations of today’s tech-savvy travelers.

With the rise of Industry 4.0, Vietnam’s tourism industry is embracing smart tourism initiatives, enhancing the traveler experience with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms. As the demand for seamless, tech-driven experiences grows, Vietnam’s localities are striving to innovate and make tourism more accessible and engaging for both domestic and international visitors.

 

Leveraging AI and Digital Tools for Tourism Promotion

A recent study by Booking.com and AppotaPay revealed that 69% of travelers turn to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for travel inspiration. This trend is prompting Vietnamese tourism marketers to ramp up their digital presence, utilizing social media and cutting-edge technologies to connect with a global audience.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, a tourism expert, emphasized the importance of evolving communication and promotion methods in line with the growing influence of digital technology. Vietnam is responding by digitizing its most iconic attractions and leveraging social media platforms to engage a wider audience.

Hanoi’s Historical and Cultural Sites Go Digital

 Smart tourism (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

One of the most impressive examples of digital transformation in Vietnam is seen in the capital city of Hanoi. Historical and cultural landmarks have been digitized, with interactive technologies like automated audio guides and electronic ticketing systems implemented at major sites such as the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Vietnam National Museum of History, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison.

These innovations allow visitors to explore these heritage sites in a more interactive and accessible way, providing them with valuable context through digital tools. Not only does this enrich the visitor experience, but it also streamlines the tourism process, making it easier for people to visit and navigate these famous locations.

 

Ho Chi Minh City and Thanh Hoa Lead the Charge

In Ho Chi Minh City, modern information kiosks with 3D displays have been introduced, offering tourists a visually immersive and user-friendly way to access detailed information about the city’s attractions. These kiosks allow visitors to explore key landmarks, check out upcoming events, and navigate the city with ease.

Further north, in the province of Thanh Hoa, eight major tourist destinations have embraced smart tourism by promoting them across digital platforms like Facebook and TikTok. This initiative has boosted engagement with younger travelers who are looking for digital-first travel options.

 

Innovative Strategies by Tourism Companies

Vietnamese travel companies are also jumping on the digital bandwagon with unique innovations. VietSense Travel, for instance, has launched TV-247, a YouTube-based travel channel that offers daily news, destination features, and travel tips, helping viewers discover new places while staying informed about the latest tourism trends.

Meanwhile, BestPrice Travel has integrated AI-powered chatbots on their platforms, acting as virtual tour guides for customers. These chatbots assist with bookings, answer questions about destinations, and offer personalized travel suggestions—an efficient and modern solution for today’s fast-paced travel industry.

 

Driving Efficient Digital Transformation in the Tourism Sector

While many regions in Vietnam have made strides in embracing digital tourism, there are still gaps in the digital infrastructure, according to Hoang Quoc Hoa, Director of the Tourism Information Centre under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT). The lack of synchronized efforts and data integration limits the full potential of these innovations, hindering promotional efforts.

Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, pointed out that despite the rapid evolution of technologies like AI and robotics, many destinations and businesses still struggle to adapt. This results in fragmented and less effective implementations.

 

The Role of VNAT in Promoting Smart Tourism

In response, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) has developed several digital platforms aimed at strengthening the tourism sector. These include the Vietnam Travel mobile app, a national tourism database, e-ticketing systems, and official communication channels on major social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, VNAT Director General, emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been tasked with building a unified national smart tourism ecosystem. The goal is to align local efforts with national strategies to ensure a cohesive and efficient digital transformation across the country.

 

Moving Forward: Tailoring Technology to Tourism Promotion

To maximize the impact of digital tools, Vu The Binh urged local governments and businesses to stay ahead of the curve by updating their strategies in line with emerging technologies. Investing in training and improving human resources will be key to ensuring that both the workforce and the local tourism sector are fully equipped to leverage these digital solutions.

With AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) becoming integral to the future of travel, Vietnam is poised to lead in smart tourism innovation. By focusing on a tech-savvy approach to tourism promotion, the country is creating more personalized, efficient, and interactive experiences for visitors, positioning itself as a modern hub for digital-age travelers.

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