Digital transformation in tourism is not only a strategy but also a driving force for sustainable growth for Hai Phong.
Digital transformation has become an inevitable trend in many economic sectors, especially tourism - a field strongly affected by technology and consumer behavior.
Driving force for tourism growth
Talking with the Business Forum, Mr. Duong Duc Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong said that digital transformation is one of the development focuses of Hai Phong city. This is demonstrated by the fact that Hai Phong has chosen "digital transformation" as the theme of the year for two consecutive years. It is also not by chance that Hai Phong chose "digital transformation" as the theme of the year, which is a growth pole and a factor for sustainable development.
In particular, Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation also emphasized the role of digital transformation in increasing the proportion of the digital economy in GDP, setting a target of the digital economy reaching at least 30% of GDP in the coming time. Smart tourism is an inevitable trend, and Hai Phong is taking specific steps to realize this strategy.
Currently, the Department of Culture - Sports - Tourism of Hai Phong has completed two important tasks in the digital transformation roadmap of tourism. That is the smart tourism portal and the construction of a smart tourism information portal to digitize images and tourist works in the area.
In addition, although technology brings many conveniences, tourism is still an experiential service industry. Those who do digital transformation must act as a "stimulator", making tourists feel curious and want to experience reality. Screen tourism cannot replace direct experience at the destination, Mr. Duong Duc Hung added.
Mr. Hung shared that it is important to turn technology into an effective support channel, helping tourists access information easily, increasing excitement, but still maintaining the attractiveness of traditional tourism. For example, virtual reality technology can help tourists explore the destination in advance, but real experiences in Cat Ba, Do Son or Hai Phong city center are still irreplaceable.
Currently, Hai Phong has taken important steps in this process, from building smart tourism infrastructure to digitizing heritage. However, to truly create a strong impact, there needs to be close coordination between the government, businesses and tourists.
Applying technology in travel businesses
A typical example of digital transformation in travel businesses, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phong - Director of Hoa Phuong Travel Company shared, the company started the digital transformation process 8 years ago, much earlier than the general level of the industry. They have deployed the use of travel management software built by the company itself and continuously upgraded to suit business operations.
Mr. Phong said that initially, this software helped optimize customer data management, including information storage, passport expiration date reminders, and improved customer care. For product management, if previously it took about 20 minutes to build a quote, now it only takes 5 minutes. In terms of finance, the software system allows automation of the revenue and expenditure process, directly linked to accounting, minimizing errors.
A corner of Do Son from above
"Although the transition was not easy, it took the company about 2 years to complete the software and make it work smoothly - but the results were remarkable. Thanks to the application of technology, management costs were reduced by up to 50% per year, data can be accessed from anywhere, and AI tools help reduce data entry errors, such as name mistakes when applying for a visa, to almost zero. In addition, AI also supports effective marketing, reducing the time to implement advertising campaigns from 1 hour to just 10 minutes" - Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phong added.
What needs to be done to develop tourism even more strongly?
Regarding this issue, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong Duong Duc Hung shared that despite possessing great tourism potential, Hai Phong still faces many challenges in implementing smart tourism. Specifically, the shared server system, cloud storage and digital infrastructure of departments and branches still have many limitations; Small businesses have yet to fully exploit the potential of technology.
At the same time, digital transformation in tourism cannot be successful if it only relies on state management agencies. Tourism businesses need to proactively participate and realize the practical benefits of digital technology. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises still face difficulties in accessing digital transformation due to budget and awareness limitations.
One of the important solutions is to build a smart tourism ecosystem, connecting three parties: management agencies, businesses and tourists. The government can support by promoting training programs, policy orientation and creating opportunities for connection between businesses.
Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Phong also suggested that if the management agency closely coordinates with software production units to build solutions that are close to the reality of businesses, the digital transformation process will be more effective.
In addition, promoting destinations is also an important task of the state. Official media campaigns, such as promoting Cat Ba archipelago on CNN or attracting international film crews, help improve the image of Vietnamese tourism in the international arena. This is also an opportunity for tourism businesses to benefit from large-scale media campaigns.