Hanoi promotes technology application to enhance tourist experience

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s tourism sector is taking advantage of technology to enhance the effectiveness of promotional activities and the tourist experience.

The view was shared by Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, a tourism expert. In an interview with Hanoimoi newspaper, he said that Hanoi has applied science and technology to its museums, historical sites, and cultural heritage. All historical and cultural relics in the city have been digitized and integrated into a digital platform. Many tourist attractions, including the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Vietnam National Museum of History, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo Prison Relics, have incorporated technology into their promotions, audio guides, and electronic tickets.

Many tourism businesses in Hanoi have innovated their promotional methods to reach tech-savvy customers. For example, VietSense Travel Company broadcasts daily news bulletins on its YouTube channel, TV-247, to introduce destinations and share experiences with tourists. Meanwhile, BestPrice Travel Technology JSC utilizes an AI-engineered virtual tour guide to provide consultation and support for searches and bookings.

Synchronization and effectiveness are essential for digital transformation

Hoang Quoc Hoa, Director of the Tourism Information Center under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, said digital transformation has not been synchronized across the sector, which has taken a toll on management and promotion.

"Many tourism businesses in Hanoi have not adapted to the rapid development of technology, especially AI and robots," Hoa said.

Vu The Binh, President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said that digital transformation in tourism is inevitable given the pervasiveness of AI technology in all areas of life. To make effective use of AI and new technologies, Hanoi needs to invest in improving its human resources.

Digital technology has been used consistently in recent years by the Vietnam Tourism Association at many exhibitions. At the Vietnam International Travel Fair 2025 (VITM Hanoi 2025), for example, the association presented 14 activities showcasing digital transformation, the application of AI technology, and the use of robots in tourism.

"In the near future, we will increase our efforts to promote the application of technology in tourism and organize more specialized seminars in this field," said Binh.

Hanoi develops a digital map for smart tourism

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said they are refining the local tourism database software to expedite data digitization and sharing with the city’s information systems and national tourism databases.

Giang told the Vietnam Government Portal: "This is part of the administrative reform and digital transformation, which aims to provide a new experience with online public services for visitors and promote tourism in the city."

Information technology will also be used more extensively to promote the city's image.

"The department's e-portal will be upgraded to digitize the responses of administrative applications and ensure connectivity so that tourists and residents can access and regularly update tourism activities," said the director.

The department has implemented QR codes to provide more convenient access to administrative procedures and online public services. It also provides a 24-hour information support and consulting service via the hotline 1800.556.896, where tourists can provide feedback and recommendations.

Last year, the municipal Department of Tourism was recognized as the leading tourism management agency in Asia, and the second consecutive year that Hanoi's tourism performance was selected as one of the city's ten outstanding achievements.