Hanoi (VNA) - According to tourism officials, digital transformation is a solution for tourism recovery following the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also an inevitable direction for the breakthrough and sustainable development of tourism.

However, to achieve effective digital transformation, Vietnam’s smokeless industry needs to overcome several barriers to create a synchronous ecosystem while making careful calculations in resource investment and infrastructure renovation. According to experts, the digital transformation of tourism in Vietnam remains asynchronous. Bui Van Manh, Director of the Ninh Binh provincial Department of Tourism, said the localities have paid great attention to tourism’s digital transformation, but most of the workforce still uses traditional methods. Therefore, it is crucial to make changes in public awareness as well as improve human resources in using digital technology. In addition, the state agencies in charge of tourism need to have specific instructions on digital transformation to create consistency and data linkage. According to Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, more awareness is needed on the importance of digital transformation in state management and the operation of the tourism industry in general. This is especially the case in the development of the green economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City has been promoting the implementation of the Smart Tourism Project. Most recently, this locality has implemented a series of content that details the application of digital technology to management activities. With the information technology applications that have been deployed, Hoa said that in the past time, the department operated a number of applications. These include the Smart travel app on Android and iOS platforms, an upgrade of the department's electronic portal, as well as building and operating its own website www.visithcmc.vn. The Department also regularly posts the latest information about tourism activities in the city on social networks. Businesses can identify the optimal effects of the digital transformation such as saving time and human resources, procedure reform, improvement of productivity and ensuring high quality services. Travel activities are connected by many different stages, so the development of a digital transformation process is a large problem to overcome. Therefore, to promote digital transformation in a proactive and effective manner, enterprises need to make preparations in finance to maintain and upgrade the system continuously. They also need to have a contingency plan for risks and enough staff to ensure proper technical operations. Deputy Director of the General Department of Tourism Nguyen Le Phuc said in the national digital transformation programme, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate with the Ministry of Information and Communications to build a tourism business and management platform. Based on this common platform, the data will be shared on existing e-commerce platforms for businesses and visitors to exploit and experience. The platform operates and provides completely free data. Phuc also affirmed that in the coming time, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will focus on developing some basic digital platforms for the tourism industry. These include the information system connection axis from the central to local levels and the national database system on tourism. It also includes an e-commerce floor connecting service providers and tourists and the system of communication channels to promote Vietnam's tourism on digital platforms. In addition, strategic investors and large corporations will be mobilised, especially in implementing digital marketing, developing new products, and designing e-commerce platforms. The training of human resources in the tourism industry will be enhanced to improve their knowledge, skills and understanding of technology and digital transformation. The VNAT will also accompany the creative start-up movement, creating a playground for young businesses to contribute new ideas for tourism development./.