Digital transformation is an essential need for all industries, including Vietnam's tourism sector. Currently, as the needs and habits of tourists have changed, digital transformation will determine the survival and development of these sectors.

The Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 clearly outlines the task of accelerating digital transformation and developing a smart tourism ecosystem in Vietnam. Simultaneously, digital transformation is considered a breakthrough solution to help the tourism industry adapt flexibly to profound changes, opening up new and more sustainable paths.

In order to strongly develop the tourism industry, Son La province has actively and effectively implemented its digital transformation strategy. As a result, in 2024, Son La welcomed approximately 4.9 million visitors, generating over 5,800 billion VND in tourism revenue, exceeding the set targets.

Infrastructure and services for receiving tourists have been invested in and upgraded, with nearly 630 accommodation establishments, including 12 hotels of 3 stars or higher, and the rest being guesthouses and homestays. Notably, Son La has completed and achieved two major goals one year ahead of schedule, as defined in the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025: the official recognition of Moc Chau National Tourist Area under the Law on Tourism, making it the 8th tourist area nationwide to receive this recognition; and its selection by the World Travel Awards as a leading regional natural destination in the world. In addition, the Son La hydroelectric reservoir area has also been officially included in the national tourism system plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. Currently, Son La is continuing to focus on digital transformation and the application of technology in the tourism sector to attract and invite tourists.

According to the leaders of Moc Chau District People's Committee – a pioneering locality in Son La province's tourism digital transformation – Moc Chau has focused on developing the Moc Chau Tour software to promote the image of Moc Chau, helping tourists access tourism services in the area more easily, quickly, and accurately. In the future, we will continue to upgrade this software, integrating the promotion, introduction, and sale of Moc Chau's unique and advantageous agricultural products.

It is hoped that this will attract a large number of tourists to access the software, making it easier for them to visit and experience Moc Chau. The Son La tourism industry is also striving to maintain and improve, and put into operation information technology services and smart tourism software systems, such as a bilingual 3D tourism portal.

Simultaneously applying virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence-based automated commentary at tourist areas and attractions; building digital maps, digitizing tourist areas and attractions, accommodation facilities, tourism service businesses, and tourism products integrated into the national tourism system… Son La expects that with the synchronized implementation of these solutions, it will attract more tourists, striving to increase tourism service revenue to 6,200 billion VND by 2025, and building its position and brand on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world.

Tourists experience virtual reality tourism in Moc Chau. (Photo: BSL).

In addition, over the years, the Son La Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has strengthened the implementation of many solutions to support localities and businesses in carrying out digital transformation in tourism. Through consulting workshops, seminars, training courses, and tourism development networking events, it has suggested effective solutions in managing and developing tourism services.

Business activities are implemented through various forms, including direct and online methods such as marketing, product promotion, market research and expansion, consulting, customer care, and online transactions for buying, selling, and payments. This replaces traditional methods like printing leaflets, brochures, books, and maps, saving costs for businesses and meeting the needs of tourists anytime, anywhere.

In addition to supporting businesses in many aspects, the Son La Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also built a voting portal for tourism products and brands in Son La province at the address: https://binhchondulich.sonla.gov.vn/ so that people and tourists can participate in evaluating and voting on service quality, service prices, service attitude, environmental hygiene, etc., according to different levels.

Developing a database software to support online competitions, such as logo and slogan design contests for tourism; contests for excellent tour guides; contests for creating beautiful tourism videos and photos; and designing Son La tour packages... Through these, we aim to strengthen the brand, promote information about tourism resources to the public, and build trust, reassurance, and confidence for tourists visiting and experiencing the area.

Entering 2025, Son La province will focus on developing tourism in a diversified, multi-faceted manner, based on the selective exploitation of natural, cultural, historical, social, and human resources. Emphasis will be placed on developing tourism rapidly and sustainably, linked to the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and local products. The province will intensify promotional activities, build its brand and image as a tourism destination, and gradually establish Son La as a tourism hub in the Northwest region.

The application of information technology and digital transformation not only contributes to the effective management and exploitation of data, optimizing the quality of the tourist experience, but is also a crucial factor in enhancing the value of destinations and increasing the effectiveness of promoting and introducing Son La tourism to domestic and international tourists.

Source: Nature and Environment online magazine