In recent years, Son La province has focused on developing new tourism products and improving the quality of existing ones. Thanks to the synchronized implementation of various solutions, Son La's tourism industry achieved positive results in 2025, with an estimated total of 5.38 million visitors and revenue reaching 6,369 billion VND, exceeding the annual plan target. The accommodation system continued to expand, room occupancy remained stable, and many new tourist destinations were recognized, contributing to product diversification and increasing the attractiveness of the destination.

As part of the national digital transformation roadmap, Son La province is gradually affirming its commitment to innovation in the tourism sector by developing a smart tourism map. With its advantages in natural landscapes, diverse cultural identity, and many famous destinations such as Moc Chau, Ngoc Chien, Ta Xua, and the Son La hydroelectric power plant, the province recognizes that applying technology is an essential direction to enhance the visitor experience and promote the local image.

Son La's smart tourism map not only provides basic information about locations and routes but also integrates data on attractions, accommodations, food, transportation services, shopping, and events. Thanks to GPS technology and real-time data, tourists can proactively plan their itineraries, monitor traffic conditions, weather, and visitor density at their destinations, thereby choosing the most suitable time and route.

In particular, smart maps also support personalized experiences. Depending on the needs for exploring nature, relaxing, or experiencing culture, the system can suggest suitable itineraries, helping tourists to fully appreciate the value of Son La. In addition, digitizing destination information helps local tourism businesses reach customers more effectively, while also enabling management agencies to analyze trends and regulate tourism activities appropriately.

Accordingly, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province has implemented digital transformation in various fields with specific actions. This has contributed to the successful achievement of the set targets and tasks. Based on digitization and the exploitation of open data, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has advised on the development and operation of the "Smart Tourism Digital Map of Son La Province".

Smart tourism provides a better experience for tourists visiting and exploring Son La. (Photo: TD).

The smart tourism digital map system is built on a two-tiered local government model, including a complete base map of Son La province's administrative units, with 75 communes and wards represented by separate boundary layers. Each commune and ward has basic information such as population, area, and map images, and is managed as an independent data layer.

The map data has been comprehensively compiled, collected, and digitized, including: coordinates, names of tourist destinations, textual descriptions, still images, automatic audio narration files, and 360° image data for typical tourist areas and attractions in 75 communes and wards.

Notably, the system integrates a multi-criteria map filter, allowing users to quickly search and retrieve tourist destinations according to various needs, such as filtering by administrative area, by type of tourism (cultural, historical, experiential, ecological, spiritual, etc.), or by regional scope such as Moc Chau National Tourist Area, Ta Xua, Ngoc Chien, etc. In particular, the system is established with a management access control mechanism at the commune/ward level, allowing local officials to update, edit, and supplement data on tourist areas and destinations under their management, ensuring that information is always complete, accurate, and regularly updated.

The map content is developed in an open format, allowing for flexible upgrades and expansion in the future, integrating new data layers, 360° virtual reality/VR imagery, intelligent management tools, and enhanced interactive features. The "Son La Province Smart Tourism Digital Map" is not only a tool to support the promotion and introduction of Son La's tourism image vividly, but also a platform for managing, monitoring, and analyzing tourism data intelligently. It provides accurate and timely information to serve statistical work, forecasting, management, and policy planning for Son La's tourism development both now and in the future.

The implementation of smart tourism maps in Son La is not only a technological advancement but also reflects innovative thinking in tourism development. As tourists increasingly favor independent, flexible, and personalized travel, digital platforms like smart maps become essential tools for effectively connecting destinations with market demand. This also provides a foundation for Son La to enhance its competitiveness and assert its position on the national tourism map.

In the long term, smart tourism maps not only enhance the visitor experience but also support resource management, conservation, and sustainable tourism development. When tourists have access to complete and transparent information, their journey exploring Son La will become more convenient, safe, and attractive.

Developing a smart tourism map is a crucial foundation for bringing Son La closer to its goal of building a modern, professional, and friendly tourism industry. It will become a driving force for Son La to break through and attract more and more domestic and international tourists to visit and experience the locality.

Minh Thanh