Heritage-Based Tourism Unlocks New Development Resources
	Vietnam’s Endless Charm Attracts International Tourists

Develop A National Digital Tourism Data Platform

According to the Tourism Information Center under the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed Decision No. 1033/QD-TTg, approving the Digital Economy and Digital Society Development Programme for the 2026 – 2030 period. The program outlines a vision for building a dynamic digital economy driven by digital platforms, data, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Within this broader framework, tourism has been identified as one of the priority sectors for accelerating the adoption of digital technologies to enhance governance, service quality, and visitor experiences.

Tourists visiting Hoi An (Photo: CHIEU ANH)

The development of the digital economy and digital society is not only a key requirement of Vietnam's national digital transformation agenda but also a crucial driver of rapid and sustainable growth, productivity gains, operational efficiency, and economic competitiveness.

The government is expected to play a facilitating and guiding role through a comprehensive system of institutions and policies, modern digital infrastructure, strategic technologies, and a highly skilled workforce. Businesses and citizens are placed at the center of the process as innovators and primary beneficiaries. Under this new development model, data is regarded as a critical production resource, AI as a key production tool, and the digital environment as a secure and trusted space for growth.

For the tourism sector, the application of digital technologies in the management and operation of tourism establishments, from accommodation and travel services to restaurants and tourist attractions, is considered a central priority for improving the visitor experience.

A key task outlined in the program is the development of a National Digital Tourism Data Platform, along with information systems designed to support tourism promotion and marketing in the digital environment. Emerging technology-driven tourism products, including virtual reality tourism, digital tours, and online travel experiences, will continue to be promoted to broaden access to destinations and enhance the appeal of Vietnam as a travel destination for both domestic and international visitors.

The program emphasizes the application of artificial intelligence across the tourism industry, paving the way for the development of smart destinations and more personalized travel experiences.

Moreover, developing a digitally skilled tourism workforce has been identified as a major priority. Tourism professionals will be equipped with stronger capabilities in using digital management and business platforms, while also improving their skills with both national and international tourism industry standards.

Towards an ASEAN Digital Tourism Ecosystem

Under the Digital Economy and Digital Society Development Programme for 2026 - 2030, Vietnam aims to ensure that by 2030, at least 70% of tourism businesses and establishments adopt digital platforms to support tourism management and business operations. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will be responsible for monitoring and measuring progress toward this target.

As part of the program, the ministry has been assigned several key tasks, including the development and operation of tourism-specific information systems and digital databases. It will also publish a catalog of open data, enabling businesses and communities to access, utilize, and develop new tourism products and services.

Golden Bridge In Da Nang (Photo: Vietnam Embassy)

In addition, the ministry will implement support programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises accelerate digital transformation across various tourism segments, including accommodation services, travel agencies, food and beverage businesses, and smart destinations. These efforts are expected to strengthen the digital capabilities of the tourism sector and contribute to the development of a more connected and innovative ASEAN Digital Tourism Ecosystem.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will also transform traditional tourism models by diversifying tour formats and promoting digital tourism products, including virtual tours, extended reality experiences, journey simulations, and immersive 360-degree experiences.

At the same time, efforts will be made to enhance interoperability among digital tourism platforms across ASEAN, with the goal of establishing an ASEAN Digital Tourism Ecosystem. The initiative is expected to provide travelers with a seamless end-to-end digital experience, from searching for information and booking services to making payments and evaluating service quality online.

These new directions further reinforce the digital transformation efforts that Vietnam's tourism sector has actively pursued in recent years. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism has gradually laid the foundation for a nationwide smart tourism ecosystem through the development of shared digital platforms for the industry.

Among the most notable achievements are the development and operation of the Vietnam Tourism Database System, which connects local authorities and tourism businesses nationwide; the launch of the Tourism Management and Business Platform; and the national tourism application, “Vietnam Travel,” which offers visitors a wide range of digital services, including destination information, tourism maps, service bookings, online payments, and service-quality feedback tools.

The tourism sector has also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in promoting Vietnam's image on online platforms, while expanding the use of electronic ticketing systems at tourist attractions and implementing a broader range of cashless payment solutions.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the new priorities outlined in the 2026 – 2030 Digital Economy and Digital Society Development Programme present a significant opportunity for the tourism industry to accelerate its comprehensive digital transformation.

Digital data and artificial intelligence are no longer merely tools for management and operations. They are increasingly becoming key drivers of innovation, enabling more modern, science-based governance models and fostering the creation of smart tourism products, services, and experiences. These advancements are expected to enhance the competitiveness and appeal of Vietnam's tourism industry as it enters a new era of digital development.

Vietnam Welcomes Record Number of International Tourists According to tourism industry statistics, Vietnam welcomed 10.6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026, up 14.9% year-on-year and the highest figure ...

Vietnam Accelerates Digital Transformation in Tourism Development Practical examples have shown that digital transformation is not merely about technology. It is also driving more convenient travel experiences, higher-quality services, and more attractive ...