Khanh Hoa promoting the application of digital technology in tourism activities

In recent years, state management agencies and enterprises in Khanh Hoa province have promoted the application of digital technology in tourism activities. The digital transformation in tourism not only helps businesses grasp tastes but also enhances the experience for tourists.

Learning about relics with digital technology

When visiting the special national relic of Po Nagar Tower, instead of searching for information online or asking a tour guide for explanations, Nguyen Bao Ngan (a tourist from Hanoi) used her phone to scan the QR code to listen to the content about the history of formation, cultural values, architectural art, festival characteristics and religious customs related to this relic c. Not only the special national relic of Po Nagar Tower, up to now, the Provincial Monument Conservation Center has deployed the QR code at most national relics and scenic spots in Khanh Hoa province.

Tourists scan QR codes at the special national relic Po Nagar Tower.

Also in the trend of applying digital technology to tourism activities, from 2017 to 2019, the province has implemented the project "Research on the application of 3D digital technology for artifacts, historical and cultural works in Nha Trang". Many domestic and international tourists have visited the website http://khanhhoa360.vn (available in 3 languages: Vietnamese - English - Russian) to learn about relics and famous places in Nha Trang area. In particular, a unit has used VR360 virtual reality technology to serve visitors to the special national relic Po Nagar Tower, enabling visitors sit at home to admire every architectural detail vividly.

Enhancing experience for tourists

Demonstrating the agility in applying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology to tourism activities, many high-end resorts in Khanh Hoa have proactively deployed smart tourism systems, using AI chatbots and virtual assistants to support room booking, answer questions, suggest schedules, apply facial recognition technology during check-in, check-out and control room access... Since 2020, the Vinpearl complex on Hon Tre Island has used Face ID at ticket gates, game areas, and accommodation areas, helping to effectively control traffic, optimize operations and bring convenience and speed to visitors throughout the entire experience journey. At the workshop “Khanh Hoa: Realizing the vision of a centrally-run city - Breakthrough in the new era”, Ngo Thi Huong - Deputy General Director of Sales and Marketing of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company shared that the resort is currently deploying the VinWonders application, a digital culinary map on Hon Tre Island. These utilities allow visitors to build their own schedules; look up waiting times at games; use the internal digital map to move around; book utility services; make contactless payments and personalize their journey right on their mobile devices. Currently, Vinpearl has also applied a digital platform, integrating AI and Big Data technology into business operations, marketing, accommodation management, and customer behavior analysis.

Alma Resort in Bai Dai area, Cam Lam commune also launched the Alma Resort mobile application. In addition to the features of providing menu information for restaurants, bars, in-room dining services, promotions, etc., the Alma Resort application integrates transportation services and feedback utilities so that users can give feedback on the resort's services. The Anam Cam Ranh impresses with its "multi-talented" chatbot. Many travel agencies are also promoting the application of technology in all stages, from product development, marketing to customer care. Bui Thi Xuan Van - Deputy Director of Vietravel Khanh Hoa branch said: “A significant portion of the budget is being prioritized by the corporation for projects on AI, Big Data, especially expanding the Vietravel App platform, integrating technology to analyze tourist behavior to personalize itineraries and services. With the Vietravel application on the phone, after registering as a member and choosing a tour, the system will always accompany, remind customers when the departure date is near, provide more information about tour guides, destinations…”.

According to the report of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, implementing the Master Plan on applying information technology in the tourism sector for the period of 2018 - 2020, with a vision to 2025, the department has completed and put into operation the Project on establishing an information operation center to support tourists. At the same time, the Provincial People's Committee has agreed in principle to implement the Project on establishing a virtual tour guide application on mobile devices using public funds with a total investment of 1.5 billion VND. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed to continue implementing the Project to establish a tourist support information operation center and the Project to establish a virtual tour guide application on mobile devices.

Xuan Thanh

Translated by T.T