The tourism potential of the region is expanding. Therefore, applying science and technology to tourism development not only helps improve management efficiency, but also contributes to building an intelligent tourism ecosystem, enhancing visitor experiences, and creating added value for the local tourism sector.
Leveraging 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 a dual advantage: diverse and abundant resources, as well as a strategic geographic location for trade. However, the efficiency of their exploitation falls short of expectations, requiring 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.
Dong Nai province’s Vice Chairman, 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 experiences, moving towards intelligent tourism. The province also encourages businesses to utilize green technologies, clean energy, and renewable energies in their tourism activities.
Experts and scientists believe that in order to integrate 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 application for tourism; 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 tourism services.
Furthermore, the province uses artificial intelligence (AI) in tourism management and services, including 24/7 chatbots to assist tourists; a system for suggesting personalized itineraries; analysis of tourists’ behavioral data; and forecasting tourism trends. The use of AI helps improve management efficiency and enhance the 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. Applying blockchain to tourism management and commerce helps enhance the transparency and reliability of the tourism service system (transparent management of tourist 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 Dong Nai Provincial Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center recently highlighted several sites, such as Cat Tien National Park, Tri An Lake, Buu Long tourist area, Nhon Trach tunnels, Tran Bien literature temple, and Dong Nai Museum, at provincial events, garnering keen interest and positive feedback from tourists.
Dong Nai province has also established a provincial tourism database listing destinations, businesses, tourists, and tourism products. This database helps improve management efficiency and support policy planning.
Strengthening regional connectivity
A research team led by Dr. Bui Trong Tien Bao (Faculty of Tourism, School of Business, University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City) proposed that the 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 for establishing a legal framework for the entire process. It must be issued before the second quarter of 2026 to take effect when Long Thanh Airport is operational.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism needs investments to enhance its data analysis capabilities, particularly through personnel training, provision of analytical tools, and collaboration 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 cost of software registration and offering digital skills training.
Furthermore, Dong Nai province must 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 tourism data infrastructure into its public investment plan for the period 2025-2030, 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 setting up a presence at Long Thanh Airport.
With its potential in natural resources, ecology, history, culture, and advantageous geographical location within the dynamic 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 enable tourism in Dong Nai to experience significant growth in the near future.
