Hard nuts to be cracked in digital transformation in tourism
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed big challenges for almost all industries and fields, with tourism among those suffering the heaviest. At the same time, due to the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with changes in consumer habits, especially after the COVID-19 outbreak, digital transformation has become an indispensable requirement of the industry.
Advanced technologies applied on double-decker buses around Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The COVID-19 pandemic has posed bigchallenges for almost all industries and fields, with tourism among thosesuffering the heaviest. At the same time, due to the impact of theFourth Industrial Revolution, with changes in consumer habits, especially afterthe COVID-19 outbreak, digital transformation has become an indispensablerequirement of the industry.
The transformation of Vietnam'stourism is said to have many barriers due to the uneven qualityof workers, low management capacity, and limited digitaltechnology.
In the coming time, in order to remove those barriers, the industrymust carry out effective solutions and overcome limitations in terms offinance, human resources, policies, information technology, organisation andmanagement, and cooperation mechanisms.
Guests can self-book and check-in at SOJO Hotel Ga Hanoi without having to go through the reception desk (Photo: VNA)
According to Dr. Le Thi Ai Nhan, a social science expert,the top requirement of digital transformation and development of tourism is tohave good human resources, as well as a large number of competent experts in information technology. However, the currenttraining system in Vietnam is still quite inadequate in catching up with thetrend of talent incubation and human resources development in digital tourism.
Most of restaurants, hotels, travel agents, travel shops, andtourist sites in the country have not been manned with those professionalisedin digital tourism to serve the requirements of digital transformation and theneeds of tourists.
Another problem is differences in digital technology betweenregions across the country. The areas having good conditions for digitaltransformation in the tourism industry are mostly in large citiesand provinces.
Tourists visit Hoi An ancient city (Photo: VNA)
Experts say that Vietnam can learn from internationalexperience in building planning, synchronously developing informationinfrastructure, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence in a professional and modern direction, associated with the tourismproduct value chain. In addition, Vietnam should focus on developing smartcities along with tourism digital transformation infrastructure.
It is necessary to have more mechanisms and policies toencourage and promote the participation of stakeholders in the tourism digitaltransformation strategy, and expand international cooperation in this field./.
Tourism businesses and authorities in Khanh Hoa province are swiftly making infrastructure and personnel preparations to welcome international tourists back as Vietnam is set to completely reopen to foreign travellers from March 15.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has proposed to let foreign visitors test for COVID-19 using rapid antigen test kits and those who have negative testing results travel freely when they are in Vietnam, as the country plans to welcome foreign tourists back from March 15.
Located at the southern gateway to the Central Highlands, Dak Nong province holds many advantages in tourism development. The sector, however, has been seriously affected by COVID-19 over recent years, so in order to recover, many businesses and young people have brought local advantages into play to attract tourists.
The tourism sector should pay special heed to improving the quality of tourism products, infrastructure facilities and human resources, and utilities provided for foreign tourists in order to increase its competitiveness and attract more foreign visitors in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh has said.
All the 240 households in Thieng Lieng hamlet once knew only salt production and aquaculture, but now welcoming tourists has become a source of their joy and income.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Advanced technologies applied on double-decker buses around Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA) 
Guests can self-book and check-in at SOJO Hotel Ga Hanoi without having to go through the reception desk (Photo: VNA) 
Tourists visit Hoi An ancient city (Photo: VNA) 
