Smart tourism can be the future of Vietnam’s travel destinations

Smart tourism can be the future of Vietnam’s travel destinations

Smart tourism can transform the visitor experience and enhance the long-term competitiveness of Vietnam’s travel destinations, according to RMIT University academic Dr Jackie Ong.

An increasing number of countries across the world are investing in smart technology systems to build smart cities, driving sustainable development and improving people’s life.

In line with this universal trend, many tourism destinations are now modernising to include the use of smart technology in their operations, which range from booking services, payment methods to interactive activities and resource management.

Destinations leading the way with their smart tourism industry include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dubai, London, Melbourne, New York, Oslo, Singapore and Tokyo.

At these destinations, tourists can use their smartphones to perform simple tasks such as self-servicing and airport check-in, paying for taxis, ordering meals, verifying queue times, and reading information on the destination or attraction that they are visiting through a supplied QR code.

news-1-smart-tourism-can-be-the-future-of-vietnams-travel-destinations Many tourism destinations are now modernising to include the use of smart technology in their operations (photo: Unsplash).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of smart technology has become even more apparent. Many destinations are now employing artificial intelligence, having robots replace humans in labour-intensive work in hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks. Some also develop virtual tours or augmented tours to complement onsite tours.

Technology and talent go hand in hand

As an emerging destination with a young tech-savvy workforce, the future of Vietnam’s tourism is bright. There is ample opportunity for the tourism sector here to learn from global destinations and adopt the right technologies to transform the visitor experience, thereby enhance the long-term competitiveness of tourism.

The first obvious step for Vietnamese tourism destinations is to invest in information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure for the “5As of tourism”: accessibility, attractions, activities, amenities and ancillary services.

However, smart tourism is more than just the adoption of technology. It comprises many other aspects including sustainability, efficiency, innovation and management.

A crucial requirement is having smart human talent to manage smart tourism. Future leaders and senior managers in tourism need to be equipped with technological acumen, critical, managerial, and analytical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills in order to generate positive solutions to global sustainability issues.

news-2-thumb-smart-tourism-can-be-the-future-of-vietnams-travel-destinations Dr Jackie Ong, Senior Program Manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management, RMIT University.

Here, education and training play a crucial role. In RMIT University’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program, for example, students benefit from a focus on sustainability, authentic assessment, and work integrated learning in all courses.

In terms of curriculum, the program is including more data analytical and digital business in project assessment, with a view to prepare students for the smart digitisation era.

Further, the university also works with industry partners to expand job placements beyond the traditional working onsite in a hotel. These include online sales, online event management, and consultancy relating to smart tourism and hospitality trends.

All these strategies reflect and reinforce smart tourism practices and management. Together, they can serve the ultimate goals of smart tourism, which is to improve the efficiency of resource management, maximise competitiveness and enhance sustainability through the use of technological innovations and practices.

Story: Dr Jackie Ong, Senior Program Manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management, RMIT University

08 December 2021

Share

  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Sustainability
  • Digital
Engage

Related news

news-thumb-dr-hoang-ai-phuong-e-commerce.jpg

Navigating customer demands in e-commerce
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 24 Mar 2025

In a fast-paced digital world, customers expect flexible return policies and seamless processes. Dr Hoang Ai Phuong, Senior Program Manager of the Bachelor of Digital Marketing at RMIT Vietnam, provides insights on digital solutions and customer experience.

Person filling gas tank in car

Is the price of petrol in Vietnam too low?
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 18 Mar 2025

Two RMIT academics question the sustainability of Vietnam’s comparatively low petrol prices, warning of economic and environmental consequences that demand careful policy consideration.

Digital alert signage

AI: A saviour in times of crisis for Vietnamese businesses
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 17 Mar 2025

When a crisis strikes, how can Vietnamese businesses respond effectively? According to Dr Bui Quoc Liem, a lecturer in Professional Communication at RMIT University Vietnam, AI is a game-changing force in crisis management.

Human heads in wood blocks

Can generative AI and critical thinking coexist?
Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 14 Mar 2025

As generative AI reshapes education, a key challenge emerges: Can it enhance learning without weakening critical thinking? The answer lies in how we teach students to engage with AI thoughtfully.

Load more +