Vietnam Tourism Applying Technology and Certification to Elevate Destinations

In the context of increasingly fierce competition, the application of technology and prestigious international certificates not only enhances the tourist experience, but also creates a trustworthy destination image.

Da Nang City is proving that in the context of increasingly fierce tourism competition in Southeast Asia, applying technology and prestigious international certificates not only enhances the tourist experience, but also builds the image of a trustworthy destination.

Mr. Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City shared, "To maximize development potential and create sustainable values, we need to innovate and create towards high-quality, green and sustainable tourism and services."

Mr. Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

Digital connectivity and the power of OTA

Da Nang City is currently in the top 10 Asian destinations with the most returning visitors and ranked 2nd in Booking.com's list of outstanding destinations.

In the first 7 months of 2025, the city welcomed 4.2 million international visitors and 6.5 million domestic visitors. During peak periods such as August 29 - September 2, there were an average of 145 flights/day, an increase of 26.5% over the same period.

In particular, more than 70% of international tourists book services through online platforms (OTA - Online Travel Agency) such as Traveloka, Booking.com or Klook, showing the power of digital channels in reaching and retaining customers. The campaign to give away 6,000 vouchers to experience accommodation and entertainment services in collaboration with Traveloka alone increased online traffic by 861%.

This achievement affirms that digital connectivity is not only a trend but also a strategic tool, helping to expand international markets, enhance brands and create competitive advantages. However, many international OTAs do not have offices in Vietnam, data is not transparent and some small businesses have not effectively exploited this channel.

Service robots with autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, launched at HorexFex 2025, can support tourism businesses in many practical activities. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang, said that in 2024, the number of searches and bookings of services via OTAs increased by 30-35%, contributing to expanding the market and attracting international visitors.

“To promote digital transformation and enhance Da Nang tourism brand, it requires the cooperation of travel businesses, hotels, destinations, and technology and media partners,” Mr. Vuong emphasized.

Technology is also applied in destination management, visitor monitoring systems, experience evaluation and instant feedback help management agencies grasp demand and adjust services quickly. In addition, many local businesses develop smart guide applications such as AI robots, integrating historical, cultural and culinary data, enhancing personalized experiences for tourists.

Prestigious certificates - a measure of quality and trust

Along with technology, green tourism has become a mandatory criterion for the international market, sustainable tourism certifications are emerging as passports to elevate destinations.

In-depth discussion on the importance of certifications - certifications for sustainable tourism development at HorecFex 2025. In the picture, Mr. Dang Hong Duc, ESG Compliance Consultant. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

Mr. Dang Hong Duc, ESG Compliance Consultant emphasizes the role of four major certification systems.

- VITA Green : domestic certification according to international standards, focusing on waste management, energy saving, and community engagement.

- ASEAN Tourism Awards : regional awards, standardizing services, enhancing destination image.

- EarthCheck : rigorous international standards, comprehensive environmental, social and governance assessment, applicable to large enterprises.

- TUU Eco Stay Awards : Southeast Asia regional certification, using data and independent audits to combat “greenwashing”.

According to Mr. Duc, EarthCheck is suitable for large corporations but the cost is high; VITA Green and ASEAN Awards are easy to access, helping domestic businesses raise community awareness; while TUU Eco Stay Awards applies digitalization, suitable for modern business models.

“Applying these certifications helps businesses review energy and waste management, train staff, and improve service quality to meet international customers’ expectations,” Mr. Duc noted.

Da Nang – Pioneer in opening the way for Vietnam tourism

Da Nang City is emerging as a model for modern tourism in Vietnam, combining technology, high-quality experiences and sustainability.

HorecFex Vietnam 2025 is a vivid demonstration with nearly 3,500 attendees, more than 90 international speakers and 120 brands demonstrating pioneering technologies such as 3D VR simulating future hotels and restaurants, AI smart check-in, 4D Immersive Mapping and service robots.

The event also gives priority to Vietnamese startups to introduce practical AI technology models and solutions, thereby promoting Vietnamese businesses to develop this specific field.

HorecFex 2025, one of the largest technology and innovation exhibitions and forums in the tourism and services industry in Vietnam today. (Photo: Thanh Phong/Vietnam+)

Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, Chairman of HorecFex Vietnam shared, “To carry out the mission of The Way Forward, we need to continuously update new equipment technology, thoroughly apply artificial intelligence and platform technology to tourism and hotel operations, and at the same time connect knowledge and share experiences to open new directions for the industry.”

Da Nang City is a destination, an affirmed brand, and also contributes to implementing the strategy and creating a difference for Vietnam tourism. This is also the current trend in building tourism products, which is to combine unique products, international events, green tourism, community engagement and sustainable environmental protection.

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(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/du-lich-viet-nam-ung-dung-cong-nghe-va-chung-nhan-nang-tam-diem-den-post1059051.vnp