Promoting the application of digital technology in tourism activities

In recent years, state management agencies and businesses in Khanh Hoa province have promoted the application of digital technology in tourism activities. The trend of digital transformation in tourism not only helps businesses grasp tastes but also enhances the experience for tourists.

Explore monuments with digital technology

When visiting the special national relic Po Nagar Tower, instead of searching for information online or asking a tour guide for explanations, Ms. Nguyen Bao Ngan (a tourist from Hanoi ) used her phone to scan the Guiding QR code to listen to the content about the history of formation, cultural values, architectural art, festival characteristics and religious customs related to this relic complex. Not only the special national relic Po Nagar Tower, up to now, the Provincial Monument Conservation Center has deployed the Guiding QR code at all national relics and scenic spots in Khanh Hoa province before (except for Mui Doi scenic spot and the relics in Truong Sa).

Visitors scan QR codes at the special national relic Po Nagar Tower.

Also in the trend of applying digital technology to tourism activities, from 2017 to 2019, the province has implemented the project "Research on the application of 3D digital technology to artifacts, historical and cultural works in Nha Trang". Many domestic and international tourists have visited the website http://khanhhoa360.vn (available in 3 languages: Vietnamese - English - Russian) to learn about relics and famous places in Nha Trang area. In particular, a unit has used VR360 virtual reality technology to serve visitors to the special national relic of Po Nagar Tower, helping visitors to eliminate spatial distance, sitting at home can also admire every architectural detail vividly.

Elevating the visitor experience

Demonstrating agility in applying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to tourism activities, many high-end resorts in Khanh Hoa have proactively deployed smart tourism systems, using AI chatbots and virtual assistants to support room booking, answer questions, suggest schedules, apply facial recognition technology during check-in, check-out and room access control... Since 2020, the Vinpearl complex on Hon Tre Island has used facial recognition technology (Face ID) at ticket gates, game areas, and accommodation areas, helping to effectively control traffic, optimize operations and bring convenience and speed to visitors throughout the entire experience journey. At the workshop "Khanh Hoa: Realizing the vision of a centrally-run city - Breakthrough in the new era", Ms. Ngo Thi Huong - Deputy General Director of Sales and Marketing of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company shared that the resort is currently deploying the VinWonders application, a digital culinary map on Hon Tre Island. These utilities allow visitors to build their own schedules; look up waiting times at games; use the internal digital map to move around; book utility services; make contactless payments and personalize their journey right on their mobile devices. Currently, Vinpearl has also applied a digital platform, integrating AI and Big Data technology into business operations, marketing, accommodation management, and customer behavior analysis.

Visitors check-in at Vinpearl Nha Trang using facial recognition technology.

Alma Resort in Bai Dai area, Cam Lam commune also launched the Alma Resort mobile application. In addition to the features providing menu information for restaurants, bars, in-room dining services, promotions, etc., the Alma Resort application integrates transportation services and feedback utilities so that users can give feedback on the resort's services. The Anam Cam Ranh impresses with its "multi-talented" chatbot. "Guests want to book a room at 2am? Chatbot is ready. Want to know about the restaurant's special dishes, or check availability, visitors just need to chat with the chatbot and receive a complete answer immediately," said Mr. Martin Koerner - Commercial Director of The Anam Group.

Many travel agencies are also promoting the application of technology in all stages, from product development, marketing to customer care. Ms. Bui Thi Xuan Van - Deputy Director of Vietravel Khanh Hoa branch said: "A significant part of the budget is being prioritized by the corporation for projects on AI, Big Data, especially expanding the Vietravel App platform, integrating technology to analyze tourist behavior to personalize the itinerary and services. With the Vietravel application on the phone, after registering as a member and choosing a tour, the system will always accompany and remind customers when the departure date is near, providing more information about the tour guide, destination...".

Mr. Pham Minh Nhut - Chairman of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association said that the application of digital technology in tourism activities has been of interest to state management agencies and businesses. However, digital transformation in tourism activities in Khanh Hoa is still lacking in synchronization. In the coming time, Khanh Hoa tourism industry needs to promote digitalization of destinations, use e-tickets, interactive maps, deploy chatbot systems, AI, Big Data, virtual reality at tourist attractions. All aim to improve service quality and optimize tourists' journeys.

According to the report of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, implementing the Master Plan on applying information technology in the tourism sector for the period of 2018 - 2020, with a vision to 2025, the department has completed and put into operation the Project on Establishing an Information Operation Center to support tourists. At the same time, the Provincial People's Committee has agreed in principle to implement the Project on Establishing a virtual tour guide application on mobile devices using public funds with a total investment of 1.5 billion VND. In particular, the Project on the Data Warehouse System and Tourism Professional Software, expected to be implemented in the period of 2024 - 2026, is temporarily suspended to wait for the system of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Project on the Smart Tourism System to support tourists, with an implementation period from 2024 to 2026, with a scale of 30 billion VND, has not yet been implemented. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed to continue implementing the Project to Establish a Tourist Support Information Operation Center and the Project to Establish a Virtual Tour Guide Application on Mobile Devices.

XUAN THANH

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/du-lich/202508/day-manh-ung-dung-cong-nghe-so-trong-hoat-dong-du-lich-f4b58aa/