Going digital vital for development of tourist sector

As for travel firms, digital transformation enables them to access new potential customers, solving problems relating to human resources, operating costs, and duration time. It also effectively supports the introduction and promotion of tourism products. Digital transformation is considered as the future of the "smokeless industry" and Vietnam is no exception.

The country has quickly applied technology into tourism development, creating virtual products to attract tourists, including Son Doong tour.

Last year, Son Doong Cave in the central province of Quang Binh has been named among 10 of the best virtual tours of natural wonders by British newspaper The Guardian.

Also last year, a virtual tour was made for the first time in the northwest. A set of 360-degree photos and virtual reality (VR) about Moc Chau tourist attractions, service facilities at the Moc Chau national tourist site have offered a panoramic view to visitors.

Recently, the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum has rolled out a brand-new 3D virtual tour in both Vietnamese and English which is integrated on the museum's website (vnfam.vn). The launch of the tour is expected to allow art lovers to enjoy the museum's various collections of national treasures, paintings and sculptures anywhere and anytime, using their Internet-connected smartphones or computers.

According to a report by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), domestic tourists in the first eight months of this year reached 31.2 million, down 5.5 percent over the same period last year.

Vietnam has yet to open its doors to international tourists since April last year. Total revenue from tourists is estimated at 136,520 billion VND (nearly 6 billion USD), a decline of 36.5 percent over last year's figure. 

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Van Viet suggested that the VNAT should focus on completing the assigned tasks in the remaining months of the year. 

In addition to devising scenarios to welcome tourists back and restore the tourism industry when the pandemic is under control, Viet said that it is necessary to promote digital transformation activities towards strengthening the public-private partnership.

Despite facing many difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the VNAT has still paid attention to digital transformation. The administration has focused on taking advantage of such social media channels as YouTube, Zalo, and Facebook to popularise Vietnam's tourism with diverse and updated content.

According to the Institute of Tourism Research and Development, smart tourism software are also developed in key tourism sites to support tourists. The application of technology is also promoted at involved enterprises.

Ha Van Sieu, Deputy General Director of the VNAT, said that the digital transformation process required the drastic participation of all levels, with the same sense, responsibility, and efforts from businesses, organisations, and local authorities.

(Source: VNA)