Night economy is not just about night markets!

(NLDO) – Promoting the night-time economy not only contributes to increasing tourism spending, but also plays a strategic role in increasing revenue for the industry.

This is the sharing of experts at the workshop "Phygital - Digital transformation trends in the tourism industry" organized by the Institute of Smart Cities and Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics (UEH) in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Technology and Innovation Incubation (ISC) and Phygital Labs Joint Stock Company on the morning of March 4.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director of UEH, said that Phygital technology (combining the real world and digital) is becoming an inevitable trend in the digital transformation era.

The application of this technology not only enhances the tourist experience through virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data solutions, but also optimizes operational performance for businesses and management agencies.

Through the application of digital technology, authorities and businesses can plan and manage night-time economic zones effectively, thereby optimizing the experience for tourists.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, also emphasized that the tourism industry is changing, and technology is no longer a choice but a necessity. Tourists now prefer to book services online, want to travel without cash, and like digital experiences such as AR/VR... This change has posed a challenge for the tourism industry in Ho Chi Minh City to continuously transform, adapt, and develop sustainably.

"Phygital is becoming an inevitable factor in the development of the tourism industry. The application of advanced technologies such as Big Data, AI, and digital travel cards will contribute to creating a smart tourism ecosystem; promoting training and supporting technology tourism startups" - Mr. Hien Hoa said.

Workshop attendees experience smart check-in station system solutions and learn about destinations when visiting and traveling.

With Ho Chi Minh City tourism, along with the trend of digital transformation, applying digital technology is also green tourism, sustainable development and exploiting the night economy as one of the key tourism products.

MSc. Hoang Le Nam Hai, Lecturer, Institute of Smart Cities and Management, UEH, analyzed that night-time economic development needs to be oriented not only to markets and night markets but also to include entertainment, culinary, shopping and cultural activities taking place from 6 pm the previous night to 6 am the next morning. Promoting the night-time economy not only contributes to increasing tourism spending, but also plays a strategic role in increasing revenue for the industry.

"Night-time economic development should not only serve tourism but also be aimed at local people. Megacities like Ho Chi Minh City need to plan and develop the night-time economy with the participation of local people to create an identity that attracts tourists. Through the application of digital technology, the government and businesses can plan and manage night-time economic areas effectively, thereby optimizing the experience for tourists," said Mr. Nam Hai.

Applying technology to enhance tourists' experience at tourist attractions

Smart mobile platforms will make it easy for travelers to discover nightlife in real-time, book in advance, and share experiences instantly.

Applying technology to tourism, Mr. Nguyen Huy, General Director of Phygital Labs Joint Stock Company, said that the "smart check-in station system" solution to help increase tourism experiences and interactions has been deployed by the company at many prominent tourist destinations such as Hue Imperial City, Hai Van Quan, SunWorld Ba Den Peak (Tay Ninh), SunWorld Fansipan (Lao Cai)...

The smart check-in station system with Tap Quest operates based on NFC technology, allowing for authenticating tour activities, tracking visitor numbers, collecting and analyzing visitor behavior to support strategic decision-making in promotion.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/kinh-te-dem-khong-chi-co-cho-dem-196250304144142153.htm