Digital transformation is an ongoing, indispensable trend occurring throughout the world. In Vietnam, however, the trend has posed multiple challenges for the local tourism industry, heard attendees at a recent conference on digital transformation in tourism development.

Visitors are seen at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) in Hanoi 

Le Tuan Anh, director of the Tourism Information Center at the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, addressed the issue of digitalization at the conference, as part of an event entitled, “The Guide Awards 2018” hosted by Vietnam Economic Times.

In particular, to promote the tourism industry in a modern, professional manner, along with achieving high added values and competitiveness by 2020, as assigned by the government, local tourism will have to put in place the latest technology.

Digitalization and creating large databases are actually thorny issues for the industry. Thus, to make the plan come to fruition, numerous ministries, departments and agencies must work to join forces with individuals and organizations. The local tourism industry needs to overcome these challenges so that it will be able to compete with other countries in the digital era, said Anh.

He also expressed his hope that the industry will reach the target of attracting 17-20 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2020.

Speaking at the conference, Le Dac Lam, CEO at Vntrip.vn, said the Government should issue specific policies and provide financial aid to help boost local tourism in the years to come, as as current policies are not sufficient.

The conference is a key gathering, held as part of a series of events under The Guide Awards 2018, with an aim at improving connectivity among tour operators, tourism experts and policymakers in the industry.

SGT