Ho Chi Minh City Embraces New Digital Transformation in Tourism with VR, E-Commerce, and Smart Tools for a Sustainable Tech-Driven Future of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has strategically recognized the use of information technology and digital transformation as key elements in upgrading the tourist experience, enhancing tourism services, and stimulating economic growth in the tourism industry. The innovative move aims to establish the city as a smart tourist destination through the integration of technology and rich cultural heritage to provide tourists with an enriched experience, making it the destination of choice for international as well as domestic tourists.

Digital Transformation: A Key Breakthrough for Tourism Development

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, digital transformation and the development of smart tourism are not just trends but crucial advancements for enhancing the city’s tourism competitiveness. By integrating technology into tourism services, Ho Chi Minh City aims to create more attractive tourism products that cater to both locals and tourists, making it easier to access services like accommodation, shopping, and tours. The focus on digitising services not only improves convenience but also opens the door to innovative tourism products that cater to evolving traveler expectations.

One of the significant recent innovations is the launch of the “3D/360 Interactive Tourism Map”, offering up-to-date information on various attractions, such as historical sites, museums, entertainment venues, and hotels. This tool helps visitors navigate the city’s attractions with ease, offering detailed insights into each venue, including operating hours, nearby facilities, and historical context. The map is designed to make exploring Ho Chi Minh City more accessible and engaging, with interactive elements that allow users to plan their visit with greater precision.

The city has also undertaken efforts to digitise nearly 700 tourism resources, promoting local products and services via e-commerce platforms. These platforms make it easier for visitors to search and book travel services or purchase local specialties, enhancing convenience and accessibility. By integrating technology into these services, Ho Chi Minh City is paving the way for seamless travel experiences, where tourists can effortlessly book tours, restaurants, and even accommodation all from their devices.

Smart Tools to Elevate the Gastronomic Experience

In a bid to further enhance the tourist experience, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism has collaborated with Foody Corporation, the operator of the ShopeeFood app, to introduce the “Foodie Passport” programme. This smart tool helps visitors explore the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene, documenting their food journey and connecting them to a variety of local eateries. Through this program, tourists can not only enjoy the local food scene but also collect and share their culinary experiences, allowing them to track their favourite dishes and share their journeys with others.

As part of the city’s food tourism strategy, 21 thematic food tourism programmes have been launched, alongside an updated digital version of the Ho Chi Minh City Culinary Guide. This guide highlights the city’s food spots, along with those in Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, showcasing the region’s unique culinary identity. These programmes offer thematic tours focused on specific food types, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Ho Chi Minh City’s diverse and rich culinary heritage. The integration of digital platforms has made it easier for tourists to discover food experiences they might otherwise miss, ensuring they explore the full range of local flavours the city has to offer.

Advancing Culture and Heritage through Digital Innovation

While tourism continues to benefit from technological integration, the municipal Department of Science and Technology is also focused on using digital tools for cultural heritage conservation. Recently, it completed a study on applying GIS technology for managing land and structures within the HCM City National History and Culture Park. The digitisation of cultural data sets, including festivals, folk arts, trees, and architecture, has improved urban management and made cultural sites more accessible to both residents and tourists.

Many of the city’s museums are also integrating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology to create immersive, interactive experiences. For example, the HCM City History Museum uses a robotic guide and 3D exhibitions, while the HCM City Fine Arts Museum offers automated information stations. These advancements not only enhance the visitor experience but also position Ho Chi Minh City as a technology-driven cultural tourism hub, where visitors can interact with art and history in innovative and engaging ways.

The War Remnants Museum features virtual tours and 3D exhibitions, allowing visitors to explore historical exhibits from a different perspective. The Ho Chi Minh Museum has launched VR and AR projects, further elevating the visitor experience by offering an immersive way to learn about the country’s history through interactive and engaging digital formats. These technological integrations are particularly appealing to younger, tech-savvy tourists, and they help make cultural exploration more engaging and fun.

Smart Tourism for a Sustainable Future

The Vietnam National Tourism Authority has commended Ho Chi Minh City’s innovative use of technology in tourism development. E-ticketing, cashless payments, destination digitalisation, and the use of drones and light displays have contributed to creating unique tourism products that enhance the visitor experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and energy-efficient technology is becoming increasingly important in various aspects of tourism management, including event organisation, market analysis, customer management, and travel consultancy.

Looking ahead, Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Authority, has suggested that Ho Chi Minh City should further develop a smart tourism map, integrating multilingual information systems and personalised itinerary suggestions using AI. Expanding cashless payment systems, especially for international visitors, and introducing virtual and augmented reality to promote heritage sites, museums, and industrial zones will open up new, exciting possibilities for younger, tech-savvy tourists seeking creative and immersive experiences. These initiatives will also contribute to the development of sustainable tourism, where technology plays a key role in improving both the tourist experience and the management of resources.

A Vision for Green, Smart, and Sustainable Tourism

Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Vice Director of the Department of Tourism, emphasized that the city’s tourism sector will continue to encourage officials, businesses, and local communities to apply technology, foster innovation, and share practical solutions. These initiatives are crucial for realizing Ho Chi Minh City’s vision of becoming a “green, smart, and sustainable tourism destination.”

Every digital solution, no matter how small, contributes to creating a safer, more attractive, and convenient tourism experience, while also enhancing the city’s competitive edge and supporting Vietnam’s broader goal of becoming a modern, creative, and globally integrated tourism industry. Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that the integration of technology doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. By leveraging energy-efficient technologies and focusing on green practices, the city is making strides toward a sustainable future in the tourism industry.

A Smart, Sustainable, and Tech-Forward Destination

Ho Chi Minh City’s emphasis on digital transformation and smart tourism is making the city a pioneering destination that combines rich cultural heritage with advanced modern technology. Incorporating virtual reality, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and big data into tourism services, the city is enhancing the tourist experience and making its tourism industry competitive globally.

These initiatives are not only succeeding in making local enterprises flourish but also ensuring that Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism industry supports economic development in a sustainable and creative manner. As the city further develops into a smart tourism destination, it will certainly receive a worldwide following looking for both cultural authenticity and contemporary convenience in their travel experiences. The path of Ho Chi Minh City towards becoming a digital tourism leader is a good model for other cities to follow in order to integrate technology and culture into the travel future.

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