Change thinking to "touch" customers
In the context of technology creeping into every corner of life, the tourism industry cannot stand outside the digitalization race. In Hanoi, traditional promotion methods such as printing leaflets or waiting for customers to come to the office are gradually being replaced by online interaction forms.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen - General Director of Ky Nghi Viet Event and Tourism Media Joint Stock Company (KynghiViet Tour) - shared: "Promoting digital transformation into online promotion programs, QR codes,... is really useful. From young people to older customers can easily, specifically and quickly look up information before deciding to book a tour.
Agreeing with this view, Mr. Do Hoang Trung - Operations Department, Hanoitourist Travel Company - said that compared to traditional methods, promoting the application of digital technology to promote tourism products is bringing more positive results. Customers interested in the company's tour program often actively contact digital platforms instead of coming directly as before.
This requires businesses and tour guides to change their approach to adapt. Instead of just giving direct explanations on the bus as before, we have combined guidance for customers to use QR codes at the destination, helping them be more proactive in finding materials, images and history," Mr. Trung said.
Smart tourism ecosystem
One of the important breakthroughs of digital tourism in Hanoi is the application of 3D technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to preserve and promote heritage values.
Mr. Nguyen Tri Thanh - Director of the Center for 3D Products and Solutions (FSI Company) - said that to serve the tourism industry, the unit deploys diverse products such as 3D object interaction experiences, 3D virtual reality space and AI moving pictures (unique images of Hanoi converted into motion form by AI).
These products target two main target groups: First, tourists need to look up data centrally; Second, management units and businesses," Mr. Thanh said.
To optimize the experience, this unit also develops a diverse ecosystem from mobile applications to websites, convenient for searching on devices.
Currently, FSI Company has digitized data of more than 500 relic and scenic areas along with thousands of accommodation, dining and entertainment venues. Experiential kiosks have been placed at many locations such as the Military History Museum, the Logistics Museum... helping tourists easily look up.
Our further goal is to develop a common platform to easily access and look up information for many audiences. In addition, the platform will support many languages (from 4 - 7 popular languages), helping international tourists to access heritage information values as well as promote tourism," Mr. Thanh emphasized.
Digital transformation is not just a technology story, but also a change in customer approach thinking. When putting user experience at the center and effectively utilizing digital platforms, Hanoi's tourism industry not only catches up with trends but also opens up opportunities to improve competitiveness and sustainable development in the new era.
