Hanoi: Changing the face of tourism with modern technology and heritage

The application of modern technology to exploit, preserve and promote heritage values ​​is becoming the "key" for the Capital to break through and shape the image of a smart and sustainable tourist city.

In the context of the global transformations brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the trend towards sustainable development, Vietnamese tourism in general and Hanoi tourism in particular face the need for comprehensive innovation.

Hanoi not only serves as the political and cultural center of the country, but it is also a "living museum" with nearly 6,000 cultural and historical relics. Among them, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel complex has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Therefore, applying modern technology to the exploitation, preservation, and promotion of heritage values ​​is becoming the "key" for the capital city to break through and shape its image as a smart and sustainable tourist city.

Digital technology and green transformation: Two strategic pillars

According to Mr. Nguyen Quyet Tam (tourism digital transformation expert, member of the VINASA Government Digital Committee, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VietISO Joint Stock Company), digital transformation and green transformation are becoming two inseparable strategic pillars in the orientation of smart tourism development.

For Hanoi – a heritage destination with immense appeal and increasing operational pressure – this is not just a trend, but an inevitable path to sustainable development and breakthroughs.

Mr. Nguyen Quyet Tam emphasized that electronic ticketing is one of the key solutions, bringing "double benefits" by supporting green transformation through reduced paper usage and resource optimization, while also enhancing the tourist experience through online booking capabilities, visitor flow control, and instant interaction.

The goal is that by 2030, 80-90% of destinations in Hanoi will have adopted e-ticketing and online booking/reservation services. This demonstrates the city's strong commitment to realizing a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap for the tourism industry.

To achieve this goal, Hanoi needs to build an interconnected e-ticket ecosystem, develop a centralized data platform, standardize business processes, invest in technological infrastructure, and promote green consumption among tourists.

Over the years, many destinations in Hanoi have begun to implement electronic tickets, integrating QR codes, smart control gates, and online payment, such as: Temple of Literature - National University, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Hoa Lo Prison historical site, Duong Lam Ancient Village…

These applications help to increase transparency in processes and reduce congestion, while also enhancing a civilized and convenient experience for tourists.

Hai Ba Trung Ward has implemented a pilot model of applying information technology in the promotion and advertising of historical sites at Lien Phai Pagoda. To date, the locality has successfully deployed QR codes at more than 28 historical sites in the area to serve tourists.

Visiting Lien Phai Pagoda for the first time, Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang (Cau Giay ward) said that with just a smartphone, locals and tourists alike can scan the QR code to get information and images about the historical site of Lien Phai Pagoda. Thanks to this, exploring and learning about the site has become easier and more enjoyable.

According to the management boards of the historical sites, since applying technology to promotion, the number of visitors to the sites has increased. Specifically, at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, 3D mapping technology and interactive software are being implemented in the exhibitions.

Digitizing exhibition spaces and exhibits in 360-degree and 3D formats, along with virtual tours allowing viewers to use smart devices to learn, enhances the appeal of the heritage site to visitors. The application of modern digital technology has helped visitors connect and interact better with the heritage site, significantly improving their visiting experience.

Beyond improving management efficiency, technological applications also open up new avenues for Hanoi to integrate heritage preservation with digital economic development and promote the image of the capital city to the international community.

Temple of Literature - National University: A pioneering beacon of light.

As the largest and oldest Confucian architectural complex in Vietnam, the Temple of Literature - National University welcomes approximately 2.5 million visitors annually. Recognizing the importance of digital transformation, the Temple of Literature - National University Cultural and Scientific Activities Center has proactively embraced digital transformation and applied technology in its conservation efforts and visitor services.

The experience at the Temple of Literature – National University is divided into five areas, each recreating a part of the learning and examination process of ancient scholars. From "Registration" to "Respecting the Way," participants will have the opportunity to transform into ancient scholars and go through exciting challenges. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Since 2023, this historical site has officially implemented online electronic ticketing for group visitors, using QR codes for entry. Previously, during peak seasons, tens of thousands of visitors would queue for long periods to buy paper tickets, causing congestion. The implementation of electronic tickets has resolved this issue, saving time and creating a positive impression from the start of the journey.

Ms. Nguyen Lien Huong, Deputy Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, emphasized: "Applying technology not only improves the quality of services but also contributes to preserving the sacredness of the relics, while expanding the space for experiencing modern technology."

The results after two years of implementation show that the electronic ticketing system has helped increase management efficiency, financial transparency, fraud prevention, operational efficiency, and revenue from supplementary digital services. At the same time, the site has more opportunities to develop innovative tourism products such as night tours, automated guided tours, and e-books about the Doctor's Stele…

Despite positive results, the implementation of technology at historical sites still faces many difficulties. Specifically, the network infrastructure is not yet stable, easily causing disruptions to the electronic ticketing system when the connection is lost.

The adoption of electronic ticketing is more suitable for group tours, while individual travelers sometimes have to wait longer if they lack the necessary equipment. Furthermore, the design of electronic tickets needs improvement to avoid being too small, easily lost, and lacking bilingual features, which can be difficult for international visitors and, importantly, detract from their commemorative value.

The operating staff needs regular training to handle incidents and ensure continuous system operation, especially during peak seasons.

Heritage - the foundation for the development of the cultural industry.

To further enhance the effectiveness of the technology, experts suggest that Hanoi needs to upgrade its network infrastructure and equipment, establish a temporary offline mode for the ticket printing system; improve ticket design, and integrate bilingual Vietnamese-English information and commemorative elements.

The 3D Mapping light show on Turtle Tower combines with a water screen system. (Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA)

The city is strengthening guidance, multilingual communication, deploying ticket sales applications via fanpage, website or mobile app; providing in-depth training for personnel, and establishing regular maintenance procedures to ensure the system operates stably.

At the same time, the development of digital tourism platforms that integrate data, coordinate services, and monitor environmental impacts will open up new avenues, bringing Hanoi closer to its goal of becoming a leading smart and sustainable tourism city in the region.

Hanoi currently leads the country in the number of cultural heritage sites. This enormous wealth of heritage, when combined with digital technology, will become a major resource for developing the cultural industry and driving a strong breakthrough in the capital's tourism.

The digitization of heritage is not limited to storage and preservation; it also facilitates the creation of high-quality digital cultural products suitable for the modern audience. From there, heritage is widely disseminated, increasing its economic value and affirming Hanoi's position on the global tourism map.

Based on the experiences at the Temple of Literature - National University and many other destinations, it can be affirmed that applying technology to the development of tourism in Hanoi is an inevitable trend, not diminishing traditional values ​​but rather increasing the depth of the experience and enhancing accessibility to heritage.

With the determination of the government, the support of businesses and the community, Hanoi has the potential to realize its goal of becoming one of the leading smart and sustainable tourism centers in the region, where heritage is preserved, honored, and promoted in a new context.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ha-noi-doi-moi-dien-mao-du-lich-bang-cong-nghe-hien-dai-va-di-san-post1060015.vnp