Forum promotes digital transformation in tourism industry amid COVID-19
The Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) in conjunction with the Vietnam E-Commerce Association (VECOM) on September 30 organised an online forum on digital transformation to promote Vietnam's tourism development in the context of global COVID-19 outbreak.
Hanoi (VNA) –The Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) in conjunction with the VietnamE-Commerce Association (VECOM) on September 30 organised an online forum on digital transformation to promote Vietnam's tourism development in the context of global COVID-19 outbreak.
The event offered a good chance for travel agencies to approach the theory andpractice of applying new technologies in tourism business, especially gettingmore information on technologies supplied by leading technology corporationsin the world such as Google, Booking.com, and Facebook.
Addressing the forum, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen VanHung said the event is an important solution to help restoreand promote the country's tourism development sustainably, adding that digitaltransformation is an inevitable development trend of tourism and it needs to beaccelerated after heavy impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to VITA Vice Chairman Vu TheBinh, international visitors to Vietnam in 2020is likely to decrease by at least 70 percent compared to 2019, while the numberof domestic visitors will be reduced by 50 percent, and the revenue fromtourism activities will fall over 61 percent.
This extremely difficult situation requires tourism businesses to adjust theirstrategies to quickly recover and gain growth again when the pandemic is undercontrol, he said, adding that comprehensive digital transformation is partof these strategies.
Through digital transformation, travelagencies can reach more travellers, provide better care to customers, reducecosts and increase business efficiency, he said.
Digital transformation is an inevitable trend which helps businesses improvetheir competitiveness, he added.
Participants to the eventwere updated on demand, trends and digital transformation capability.
In the framework of the forum, a showroom of technological products was arranged for a number oftechnology businesses to introduce their products.
VITA has planned to organise other events to help Vietnamese tourism firms access new technological solutionstowards recovering and further promoting their business amid the COVID-19pandemic./.
Vietnamese firms regardless of their scale need to get up to speed on digital transformation to enable them to further penetrate global markets, a webinar heard on August 26.
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Business Associations (HUBA) on September 24 launched a digital transformation programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help improve their competitiveness.
Vietnam will focus on solutions to spur growth towards sustainability amidst the impact of COVID-19 during the 2021-2025 period, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said on September 29.
Officials of the central city of Da Nang held a working session with executives of telecom group FPT on September 29 to outline plans for bilateral cooperation in the time ahead.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
