Online tourism has been developing strongly globally as part of e-commerce, especially in the context of the 4th industrial revolution. However, the trend is causing difficulties for Vietnam’s tourism sector where online tourism is less developed.

According to a report on Vietnam’s e-commerce index in 2017, online tourism posted a growth rate of 50 percent, double that of e-commerce in general.

A 2017 survey showed that 71 percent of foreign tourists search for information online and 64% booked tours to Vietnam online. The rate is expected to increase in the future together with the development of e-commerce.

 “Online tourism will benefit all concerned parties, especially when the fourth industrial revolution is developing stronger and stronger, creating smart and rapid connections, said Dr. Ha Van Sieu, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Bedlinker, a technological solution company has operated in the travel and hotel industry for several years. At present, many tourists have booked tours, rooms and conducted online payments through the company’s website and mobile phone app.

Bedlinker’ General Director Dao Quang Thuan said his company provides business to business instead of business to customer service because it is hard to compete with foreign companies in B2C.

“Our customers are travel agencies. We think it’s the right choice, because it will reduce pressure of competition with foreign rivals,” he added.

However, according to statistics, Vietnamese travel companies account for only 20 percent of the market share, the rest is dominated by foreign brands, such as Agoda, Booking.com or Traveloka.

To win the position, domestic companies said they are seeking to provide unique products different from common ones.

Thuan  said: “Vietnamese businesses should learn and apply advanced technology so they are strong enough to serve not only domestic but also foreign markets.”

The market research eMarketer estimated that by 2025, Vietnam will earn 9 billion USD from online tourism.

With a strong ICT workforce and booming mobile and social networks, Vietnam’s tourism sector is expected to grow stronger in the digital age.-VNA