Applying digital technology to the tourism industry
The goal of digital transformation in the tourism sector is to create a flexible and intelligent ecosystem that can efficiently manage operations, provide services, and utilize technology to cater to tourists' needs. In addition to gathering digital data on tourism, the industry is researching and implementing advanced technology products such as 360-degree virtual reality tours, 360-degree websites, and interactive information screens that introduce destinations. These products not only improve quality but also enhance the overall visitor experience. As a result, many tourism units and businesses have adopted various digital technologies to improve their tourism activities.
Participants in the program “Hành trình dìa nhà - Khám phá thu Tây Đô” (Journey home - Discovering Autumn in Tay Do) use social networks to pass stations and accumulate points. Photo: CTV
Many tourists are interested in digital technology applications, particularly the sightseeing adventure game model. Games such as Decoding Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Heritage Game Tour in Duong Lam Ancient Village, and the Hanoi Old Quarter Food Tour Experience Program are popular among tourists. In these games, tourists, as the game players, use a digital map or the program's applications (apps) to find destinations, pass stations, and earn bonus points to reach the finish line. The application provides a map of each station, and when tourists arrive at the right end, they are introduced to information about that heritage. Additionally, tasks and challenges are linked to the typical products of the destination, and players must answer each question to accumulate points. By incorporating technology into tourism activities, these game experiences make tourists' discovery journeys more attractive.
In Can Tho, some organizations have incorporated technology into various tourism activities. For example, the “Hành trình dìa nhà - Khám phá thu Tây Đô” (Journey home - Discovering Autumn in Tay Do) program and the “Di sản bên sông” (Heritage by the River) journey offered by Hai Au Can Tho utilize technology to enhance the overall experience. Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, General Director of Hai Au Can Tho Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism Company Limited, mentioned that they designed the program to engage tourists as gamers in the journey of discovery. They use technology based on tourists' smartphone habits and social networks to create check-in stations and set passwords. Tourists are required to overcome challenges displayed on each program's application and digital map. Specifically, in the “Hành trình dìa nhà - Khám phá thu Tây Đô” program, visitors rely on a digital map to navigate through stations in Bao Gia Trang Vien, Cai Chanh Market, and Bao Gia Farm Camping. They decipher secret letters, accumulate points, complete challenges, and exchange gifts. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan from Flex Travel expressed her fondness for teambuilding activities like this due to the creativity and excitement the creators offer to the participants.
Utilizing technology in the tourism sector offers numerous benefits. It enhances the tourist experience, reduces operating costs and time, and provides effective promotion. Businesses and organizations no longer need to actively promote themselves, as tourists share their experiences and images on applications and social networks, effectively spreading the word.
Diversify digital applications
In Can Tho, many accommodation providers use technology to offer tourists convenience. Ms. Vo Xuan Thu, General Director of Victoria Resort Can Tho, stated, "To enhance comfort and convenience for tourists, our hotel is implementing contactless services. Visitors can use QR codes to access hotel services and choose to check in via phone or customer portal to save time."
At SOJO Hotel Can Tho, all hotel amenities can be accessed via mobile. Visitors can book and check in or choose a room online up to 48 hours before their stay. They only need a device with a camera to complete the procedures and send them to SOJO's system through the mobile app or website. Once the online check-in is successful, visitors can collect the automatic key from the kiosk to access their room. The room amenities and services are all accessible through the mobile app, allowing visitors to book the services they wish to experience easily.
Similarly, WINK Hotel Can Tho also prioritizes convenience for visitors by employing modern digital technology. Guests can opt for automatic check-in at the counter or use innovative technology applications on their phones for quick check-in and check-out. The hotel also offers cashless payment options at coffee machines, vending machines on hotel floors, convenience areas, and laundry areas. Each room has a smart TV, enabling guests to connect directly to their devices. WINK Hotel Can Tho also features a 24/7 Grab & GO convenience store and a 24/7 WINK Bar.
In the Digital Transformation Plan for Can Tho City until 2025, with a vision for 2030, the focus is on digital transformation in the tourism sector. This includes developing and implementing digital applications to offer innovative tourism services and revolutionizing how tourists engage in the digital environment. This involves creating a Smart Tourism Card system that integrates various information, services, and utilities for tourists. It also entails digitizing all destinations, tourism products, and cultural and entertainment events in the area using digital maps. Additionally, it involves utilizing tour guides on mobile devices with voice conversion technology between Vietnamese and other popular languages and employing virtual reality technology, augmented reality, and other new technologies to enhance the overall tourist experience, convenience, and the appeal of destinations. The aim is to collaborate with businesses to develop and deploy digital tourism applications that provide comprehensive support for tourists throughout their trip, including booking rooms/tours, train/car/airplane tickets, and other tourism services. Simultaneously, it involves integrating and connecting with applications that enable the receipt and processing of tourist feedback, as well as integrating and connecting with local online payment platforms to promote cashless payment services at tourist destinations. Furthermore, it involves establishing a specialized database system for tourism, including accommodation establishments, tour guides, travel and transportation businesses, tourist areas, attractions, and facilities that meet tourist service standards.
Currently, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Can Tho City focuses on digital transformation. They are gradually modernizing the way they promote and manage tourism, as well as traditional destinations, by utilizing digital technology. This includes digitizing tourism databases, resources, and products and connecting and sharing information about the tourist market. They also aim to improve linkages and cooperation in tourism development between Can Tho and other localities. To achieve this, Can Tho tourism sector has partnered with VNPT Can Tho, Viettel Can Tho, and Mobifone Can Tho to implement various digital transformation models in tourism activities. These models include innovative tourism systems, smart tourism platforms, and e-commerce platforms. Specifically, VNPT has collaborated with the city's tourism sector to pilot a smart tourism system, focusing on six main areas: city tourism information portal, smart tourism application on mobile devices, digital tourism map, analysis of tourist feedback on the integrated system, tourism industry database system, and chatbox system integrated into the city tourism information portal and mobile applications. The smart tourism information portal and mobile application have integrated many new and modern features, such as 3D virtual tourism maps, introducing Can Tho tourist destinations using QR code technology, 360-degree cameras, and more.
The use of digital technology in tourism in Can Tho is gaining attention from the Can Tho Municipal Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism for state management and active participation of tourism businesses. This contributes to establishing a digital data platform and an intelligent tourism ecosystem, as well as driving the development of modern, flexible local tourism.
Hoang Dat
