The tourism potential of the region is on the rise. Therefore, the application of science and technology to tourism development not only helps improve management efficiency, but also contributes to building an intelligent tourism ecosystem, enhancing visitor experience, and creating added value for the local tourism sector.
Harnessing the dual advantage
According to Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Deputy Director of the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City, the tourism sector in Dong Nai province currently benefits from two key advantages: diversified and abundant resources, as well as a strategic geographical location for trade. However, the effectiveness of their utilization falls short of expectations, necessitating a more strategic direction. In particular, the integration of modern scientific and technological solutions is seen as an urgent necessity to optimize the value of resources and promote sustainable tourism development.
The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee of Dong Nai, Le Truong Son, also emphasized that in order to make tourism a major economic sector contributing to regional GDP growth and job creation in the province, it is essential to strengthen the application of technologies and digital transformation to promote its image, culture, population, and brand; to develop tourism and enhance tourist experience, moving towards intelligent tourism. The province also encourages businesses to use green and clean technologies as well as renewable energy in their tourism activities.
Experts and scientists believe that in order to incorporate science and technology into tourism development, Dong Nai needs to establish an intelligent tourism ecosystem based on digital transformation, including: an intelligent tourism portal for the province; a mobile tourism application; a digital tourist map; and an online reservation system that allows tourists to easily search for information, book services, and provide feedback on the quality of tourist services.
Furthermore, the province utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism management and services, including 24/7 chatbots to assist tourists; personalized itinerary suggestion system; analysis of tourist behavioral data; and forecasting of tourism trends. The use of AI helps improve management efficiency and enrich tourist experience.
The province utilizes the Internet of Things (IoT) in managing tourist destinations. IoT can be deployed in tourist areas to track real-time visitor numbers, manage the environment and tourist resources, optimize parking, and ensure visitor safety. The application of blockchain in tourism management and commerce helps enhance transparency and reliability of the tourism service system (transparent management of tourism transactions, authentication of electronic tickets, visitor data management, development of a secure tourism payment system).
Additionally, Dong Nai province uses Virtual Reality (VR/AR) to create virtual tours and showcase its tourist attractions using 3D models. Through this technology, the Provincial Center for Investment Promotion, Trade, and Tourism of Dong Nai recently highlighted several sites, such as Cat Tien National Park, Tri An Lake, Buu Long tourist area, tunnels of Nhon Trach, Tran Bien Temple of Literature, and Dong Nai museum, at provincial events, generating keen interest and positive feedback from tourists.
Dong Nai province has also established a provincial tourism database listing destinations, businesses, tourists, and tourist products. This database helps improve management efficiency and support policy planning.
Enhancing regional connectivity
A research team led by Dr. Bui Trong Tien Bao (Faculty of Tourism, Business School, University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City) proposed that the Provincial People’s Committee of Dong Nai province make a decision regarding the management and utilization of tourism data in the province, clearly defining the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all parties involved. This decision is essential to establish a legal framework for the entire process. It must be promulgated by the second quarter of 2026 to come into effect when Long Thanh airport is commissioned.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism requires investments to strengthen its data analysis capabilities, especially through training specialized personnel, providing analytical tools, and collaborating with regional universities for applied research. Dong Nai could draw inspiration from Da Nang’s model to develop a program to assist tourism SMEs in accessing digital technologies, for example by subsidizing 30 to 50% of the software registration costs and offering training in digital skills.
Moreover, Dong Nai province needs to establish an inter-ministerial coordination mechanism for data sharing (tourist traffic and airport data, accommodation data, commercial data, and environmental load capacity data) and integrate the tourist data infrastructure into its public investment plan for the 2025-2030 period, allocating a budget representing at least 0.5 to 1% of the total provincial budget for tourism development. It is imperative that the province prioritize fund allocation before June 2026 for activities such as establishing a multilingual tourism information system and establishing a presence at Long Thanh airport.
With its potential in natural resources, ecology, history, and culture, and its advantageous geographical position within the Southern economic region, Dong Nai has many assets to develop sustainable and distinctive tourism. Implementing comprehensive solutions, including creating a tourism brand, using digital technologies for promotion and advertising, developing an intelligent tourism ecosystem, and strengthening regional links with major tourist centers such as Ho Chi Minh City and other Southern localities, will lead to significant growth in Dong Nai’s tourism sector in the near future.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/ung-dung-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-phat-trien-du-lich-thong-minh-tang-lien-ket-vung-20260330170504462.htm
