With the rapid digital transformation brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism industry in Vietnam is leveraging advanced technologies to provide new experiences for travelers and facilitate its recovery. Smart tourism offerings have emerged, showcasing the country’s rich culture, history, and picturesque landscapes, as well as connecting international visitors with Vietnamese destinations. In collaboration with domestic and international partners, the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) has spearheaded efforts to promote tourism using cutting-edge technologies.
Advanced Technologies in Tourism Promotion
The VNAT has partnered with renowned technology giant Google to revolutionize tourism promotion activities. Two years ago, they jointly launched the “Wonders of Vietnam” project on Google Arts & Culture (GA&C). This allowed people around the world to explore Vietnam’s art, history, and natural wonders virtually. Building on this success, VNAT has worked closely with Google to create a series of captivating videos titled “Vietnam: Travel to Love”. These videos are showcased on YouTube and have been supplemented by widespread promotion on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Zalo, and Viber.
Renewed Marketing Strategy and Product Development
Recognizing the paramount importance of digital transformation in tourism development, cities and provinces in Vietnam have revamped their marketing strategies. They are actively engaging in innovation to meet the evolving demands of travelers and entice them with unique experiences. Collaborating with local communities and businesses, these regions are creating new tourism products that showcase their cultural heritage, gastronomy, and natural wonders. This strategic approach aims to attract a broader spectrum of tourists seeking authentic and immersive experiences.
Implementation of Smart Tourism Technologies
In the picturesque northern highlands town of Sa Pa, authorities have inaugurated a cutting-edge center dedicated to the supervision and management of smart urban areas. This center is at the forefront of implementing innovative technologies to enhance the visitor experience. By utilizing 3D technology, Sa Pa offers virtual tourism information and services to tourists, local residents, and businesses, enriching their understanding of the local tourism sites. This technological marvel provides a seamless integration of the digital world with the physical, fostering interactive engagement among all stakeholders.
Moreover, Vietnam has embraced the transformative power of 360 Virtual Reality (VR 360) technology. For the first time, a virtual tour was conducted in the Northwestern region in late 2020, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Moc Chau tourism site. This trailblazing use of VR 360 technology allows travelers to explore and interact with the destination virtually, significantly enhancing their pre-visit experience and igniting excitement for their upcoming trip.
Increased Global Interest in Vietnamese Tourism
The efforts to digitally transform Vietnam’s tourism industry have garnered global attention. According to data from Google’s Destination Insights, the number of searches related to Vietnamese tourism has surged, propelling Vietnam from the 11th to the 7th fastest-growing destination worldwide. Impressively, Vietnam stands as the sole Southeast Asian country in the global top 10. This exponential increase in interest can be attributed to the country’s successful adoption of digital transformation practices, thereby presenting Vietnamese destinations in a captivating and accessible way to international travelers.
Benefits and Challenges of Digital Transformation
Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung commends the tourism sector for embracing digital transformation, highlighting its effectiveness in reinforcing ties between Vietnamese destinations and international friends. The ability to bridge geographical barriers and showcase Vietnam’s offerings on various digital platforms has undoubtedly facilitated this goal. However, challenges remain. The sector is grappling with a scarcity of human resources with adequate technological proficiency. Investment in modern technologies and infrastructural development is also needed to fully unlock the potential of digital transformation in the tourism industry.
The accelerated digital transformation of Vietnam’s tourism industry has become a driving force in its recovery and growth. Through partnerships and innovative initiatives, smart tourism offerings have successfully enticed global travelers, enabling them to explore Vietnamese culture, history, and natural beauty virtually. While challenges persist, such as addressing the shortage of skilled human resources and strengthening digital infrastructure, the proactive efforts made by VNAT, local authorities, and businesses are propelling the sector towards a sustainable and resilient future. As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, Vietnam is well-positioned to leverage its digital prowess to recapture its position as a premier tourism destination.