Digital transformation is an inevitable need for all industries, including Vietnam's tourism industry. Currently, when the needs and habits of tourists have changed, digital transformation will determine the existence and development of these industries.

The Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 has clearly stated the need to accelerate the digital transformation process, forming and developing a smart tourism ecosystem in Vietnam. At the same time, digital transformation is considered a breakthrough solution to help the tourism industry adapt flexibly to profound changes, opening up a new, more sustainable direction.

In order to strongly develop the tourism industry, Son La province has actively and effectively implemented the digital transformation strategy. Thanks to that, in 2024, Son La welcomed about 4.9 million visitors, with revenue from tourism activities exceeding VND 5,800 billion, all of which exceeded the set plan.

Infrastructure and guest reception services have been invested and upgraded, with nearly 630 accommodation establishments, including 12 hotels of 3 stars or higher, the rest are tourist motels, homestays... In particular, Son La has completed and reached the finish line one year ahead of schedule for 2 major goals identified in the Resolution of the 15th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020 - 2025, including Moc Chau National Tourist Area officially recognized according to the provisions of the Law on Tourism and is the 8th tourist area recognized nationwide; voted by the World Travel Awards as the World's Leading Regional Natural Destination. Along with that, the Son La hydroelectric reservoir area has also been officially included in the national tourism system planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045. Currently, Son La is continuing to focus on digital transformation, applying technology in the tourism sector to attract and invite tourists.

The leader of Moc Chau District People's Committee - a pioneer in digital transformation of tourism in Son La, said that Moc Chau has focused on building Moc Chau tour software to promote the image of Moc Chau, helping tourists access tourism services in the area more closely, faster, and more accurately. In the coming time, we will continue to upgrade this software, integrating the promotion, introduction, and sale of agricultural products that are typical advantages of Moc Chau.

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

At the same time, apply virtual reality technology, augmented reality and artificial intelligence to automatically explain in tourist areas and spots; build digital maps, digitize tourist areas, spots, accommodation establishments, tourism service businesses and tourism products integrated into the national tourism system... Son La hopes that with the synchronous implementation of solutions, it will welcome more tourists, strive to increase revenue from tourism services in 2025 to 6,200 billion VND, build position and brand on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world.

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

In addition, in recent years, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La has stepped up the implementation of many solutions to support localities and businesses in digital transformation of tourism. Through consulting seminars, talks, training sessions, and tourism development connections, it has suggested good solutions in managing and developing tourism service businesses.

Business activities are implemented in many forms: direct, online, marketing, product promotion, market expansion research, consulting, customer care, making online purchases, sales, payments... replacing the traditional methods of the past, such as printing leaflets, brochures, books, maps,... helping businesses save costs and meet the needs of tourists anytime, anywhere.

Along with supporting businesses in many aspects, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La also built a portal to vote for Son La province's tourism products and brands at: https://binhchondulich.sonla.gov.vn/ for people and tourists to participate in evaluating and voting on service quality, service prices, service attitude, environmental sanitation... according to different levels.

Build database software to organize online competitions, such as logo and slogan creation contests; excellent tour guide contests; video and photo creation contests; Son La tour design contests... Thereby, affirming the brand, promoting information about tourism resources to the people, creating trust, peace of mind and assurance for tourists when they come to visit and experience.

Entering 2025, Son La province will focus on developing tourism in a diversified and multi-disciplinary direction based on selective exploitation of nature, culture, history, society and humanity. Focus on developing fast and sustainable tourism associated with preserving and promoting national cultural identity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage and local products. Strengthening activities to promote, advertise, build the brand and image of Son La tourism; gradually building Son La province into a tourism center of the Northwest region.

Applying information technology and digital transformation not only contributes to effectively managing and exploiting data, optimizing the quality of experience for tourists, but is also an important factor in enhancing the value of destinations, increasing the effectiveness of promoting and introducing Son La tourism to domestic and foreign tourists.

According to: Nature and Environment Electronic Magazine