Vietnam's tourism industry makes a strong breakthrough thanks to digital transformation

Impressive numbers of the Tourism Industry

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million international visitors, up 3.59% compared to 2023, while domestic visitors reached 110 million. Total tourism revenue reached VND 850,000 billion, up 23.8% over the same period last year. Notably, thanks to the application of digital transformation, the industry has shifted from a B2B to B2C business model, helping to reduce dependence on intermediary travel agencies and representative offices. Tourists can now book tours and experience services directly through digital platforms.

According to Deputy Minister Ho An Phong, the application of digital technology , artificial intelligence (AI) and smart platforms has created a strong driving force for the rapid and sustainable development of the tourism industry. “Digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also a decisive factor in the competitiveness of the tourism industry in the context of globalization,” he emphasized.

Local digital transformation initiatives

Localities have achieved remarkable achievements in implementing smart tourism. Ho Chi Minh City developed a smart tourism application on iOS and Android platforms, and deployed 3D technology to recreate urban space from above.

In Hanoi, a smart tourism portal provides detailed information about destinations, while Da Nang uses VR360 and bilingual voice-overs to enhance the visitor experience. These initiatives provide immersive and intuitive experiences, increasing the appeal of destinations.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is also focusing on building a synchronous smart tourism ecosystem. The Ministry has issued a set of criteria to evaluate the national digital platform for tourism management and business, along with a set of indicators to measure the effectiveness of smart tourism destinations. Three key projects including digital heritage, smart tourism and a tourism operations center are also being vigorously implemented.

Despite many positive results, the tourism industry still faces significant challenges such as the need for large resources, improving the quality of human resources and perfecting digital infrastructure. However, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong expressed optimism that with the determination of the Government, the consensus of ministries and sectors and the creativity of technology enterprises, the Vietnamese tourism industry will continue to make its mark in the coming years./.

Source: https://mic.gov.vn/nganh-du-lich-viet-nam-but-pha-manh-me-nho-chuyen-doi-so-197241230214707184.htm