Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam is set to digitise its tourism sector, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline operations, enhance visitor experiences, and integrate with regional markets.
This directive centres heavily on a newly approved national strategy aimed at transforming the country's socio-economic landscape over the next five years.
According to the Tourism Information Centre under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung recently signed Decision No. 1033/QD-TTg, approving the National Digital Economy and Digital Society Development Programme for the 2026 – 2030 period. The programme establishes a dynamic digital economy driven by digital platforms, big data, and AI.
Under this blueprint, tourism is designated as a high-priority sector to enhance the use of digital technology to improve management capabilities, service quality, and the visitor experience.
Developing the digital economy and digital society is not only a requirement of the national digital transformation process but also an important driver that promotes fast, sustainable growth, boosting productivity, efficiency, and the competitiveness of the economy.
Digital applications will be deeply integrated into the management and operation of tourism establishments, including accommodation, travel agencies, catering services, and tourist attractions.
A key mandate of the programme is the creation of a national tourism digital data platform alongside an advanced digital promotion system. The government will continue to promote tech-driven tourism concepts, such as virtual reality (VR) tours, digital sightseeing, and online experiential travel. These initiatives aim to broaden destination accessibility and boost Vietnam’s appeal to both domestic and international travelers.
Furthermore, the programme emphasises deploying AI to develop smart destinations and deliver highly personalised traveler experiences.
Human resources development is also being prioritised. Tourism workers will undergo extensive training to master digital management platforms and business software, ensuring compliance with both national and international professional standards.
The programme sets an ambitious target that is by 2030, at least 70% of all tourism establishments nationwide must utilise digital platforms for their governance and business operations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) will oversee and measure this metric.
The MoCST has been tasked with several key responsibilities including building and operating specialised tourism databases; publishing open data directories so businesses can develop new products; and deploying support programmes to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition digitally.
Additionally, the ministry will diversify tour models by introducing digital products such as virtual tours, augmented reality (AR), route simulations, and 360-degree experiences.
Crucially, Vietnam will push for the interconnectivity of digital tourism platforms across Southeast Asia, aiming to establish a unified "ASEAN Digital Tourism" ecosystem. This will provide travellers with a seamless, end-to-end digital experience, from information searching and booking to cashless payments and service reviews.
These new directives build upon the VNAT’s existing digital foundations, which include the nationwide "Tourism Management and Business" platform, the "Vietnam Travel" application, and automated e-ticketing systems at major landmarks. the VNAT noted that AI and digital data are no longer just supporting tools, but are now the primary drivers modernising the industry and sharpening Vietnam's competitive edge in the global market./.
