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In response to the evolving demands of travellers in the digital era, various localities across Vietnam are proactively developing smart tourism ecosystems to enhance visitor experiences and attract more tourists.
In Hanoi, renowned tourist destinations such as the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, the National Museum of History, and the Hoa Lo prison historical relic site have leveraged online platforms to organise virtual exhibitions and implement e-ticketing systems, aiming to make tourist experiences more accessible and convenient.
Similarly, in Ho Chi Minh City, the integration of 3D technology has revolutionised tourism promotion efforts, notably through the introduction of a smart interactive tourism map featuring virtual travel assistants at key destinations.
Other provinces like Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Ninh Binh are embracing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 360-degree virtual reality (VR 360), and QR payment systems to enhance the efficiency and convenience of tourism services.
To further promote smart tourism initiatives, numerous seminars and discussions have been conducted to raise awareness among relevant agencies, departments, and sectors, facilitating collaboration and seeking innovative solutions to accelerate the development of smart tourism.
However, despite the promising advancements, challenges persist. The predominance of small- and medium-sized Vietnamese travel firms hinders their ability to invest significantly in technology, while international online travel companies dominate the domestic market, leaving only a handful of local businesses offering online services. Additionally, issues such as inconsistent information technology infrastructure and a shortage of skilled personnel pose further obstacles.
To address these challenges and capitalise on the potential of smart tourism, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has launched a project to deploy 4.0 technology to develop smart tourism and spread tourism to become a key economic sector. This initiative aims to bridge existing gaps, propel the tourism industry forward, and contribute to the nation’s modernisation efforts.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Hanoi Department of Tourism embarked on a digital transformation journey to revolutionise visitor experiences and promote tourism in the city. Central to this initiative is the commitment to enhancing tourism database software and accelerating the digitisation of data, ensuring that accurate and up-to-date information about tourist attractions and service facilities is readily available to visitors.
This effort is complemented by the development of a cutting-edge digital mapping system tailored for smart tourism within the city, providing interactive maps and virtual tours to enhance the navigation and exploration experience for tourists.
Moreover, leveraging information technology for promotion and developing Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure for smart tourism applications are key strategies employed by the department to attract both domestic and international tourists. Through digital platforms, social media, and online advertising, Hà Nội aims to showcase its unique attractions and cultural offerings to a wider audience, positioning itself as a must-visit destination.
Director Dang Huong Giang affirmed the department’s commitment to securing necessary resources and driving administrative reform initiatives to support digital transformation efforts. Streamlining administrative procedures, investing in staff training programs, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence are priorities to create an enabling environment for digital initiatives.
By embracing these comprehensive steps and leveraging the latest technology and digital tools, the Hà Nội Department of Tourism aims to elevate the city’s tourism landscape and provide visitors with unforgettable experiences. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, the department seeks to boost tourism growth sustainably, solidifying Hà Nội’s position as a premier destination on the global tourism map.
Through concerted efforts and strategic investments in technology and infrastructure, Vietnam is poised to realize its vision of a comprehensive smart tourism ecosystem, meeting the evolving needs and expectations of travellers while bolstering the country’s tourism sector as a vital driver of economic growth and development.
