Digital transformation in tourism key to development

Investment in the digital transformation of the tourism sector requires persistence and selectivity, Ms. Tran Nguyen, Head of the Business Department at the Sun Group, told a conference on the post-Covid reopening of the tourism sector held by Tap Chi Kinh Te Viet Nam / VnEconomy on March 20.

“Covid-19 is an ‘excuse’ for faster digital transformation,” said Ms. Nguyen. The Sun Group has implemented information technology in data system management and business administration, and also made use of digitalization to improve the customer experience. It is able to offer its customers contactless and time-saving services by using automated applications and systems.

However, as digital transformation is the playground of businesses with financial capacity and a “dare to think” mindset, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still face difficulties in the process, according to Mr. Phung Xuan Khanh, Director of Tien Phong Travel. “Developing methodically by using digital transformation requires human resources that are able to complete the task and understand the techniques and information technology on open source code,” he said. “Then comes financial sources for long-term investment.”

Businesses need to clearly define “what is the purpose of digital transformation and for whom, and whether the business is suitable for digital transformation,” he went on. Many businesses know little or nothing about the process.

Agreeing, Ms. Nguyen added that businesses need to adopt digital transformation in order to stay abreast of trends.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, General Secretary of the Vietnam Banks Association, recommended that businesses use their own capital for digital transformation, while banks will support them in terms of production and business activities.

He also affirmed that banks will create favorable conditions for businesses to borrow capital in the fastest and most convenient way possible.