E-commerce training for micro, small and medium-sized accommodation businesses

On the afternoon of October 8, an online training workshop on e-commerce for micro, small and medium-sized accommodation enterprises (MSMEs) officially took place. The program was organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and Agoda with the participation of about 50 businesses from 21 provinces and cities in the country.

Attending the program were Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai; Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij; Senior Manager of International Relations Agoda Pattamaporn Aumpeng and trainers from Agoda and MTCO.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai speaks at the training workshop (Photo: TITC)

In her opening speech, Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai emphasized the important role of small and micro-scale accommodation establishments such as homestays, motels, farmstays or ecolodges in the community tourism ecosystem. These models not only contribute to promoting local culture, cuisine and lifestyle but also create jobs and income for local people. However, many units have not yet effectively exploited digital platforms and e-commerce due to limitations in skills, language and understanding of OTA tools.

Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai said that the training program supported by MTCO in collaboration with Agoda is practical, helping trainees master knowledge and practical skills in registering, managing and optimizing accommodation facilities on Agoda and other OTAs. The training content focuses on room management, price updates, promotions, customer feedback and basic online marketing, thereby improving competitiveness, expanding distribution channels and operating effectively in the digital environment.

Recognizing and appreciating the connection and support of MTCO and Agoda in implementing this initiative, Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai affirmed that this cooperation demonstrates the spirit of public-private partnership in promoting digital transformation of tourism, towards sustainable and inclusive development in the region.

The training workshop took place online (Photo: TITC)

Speaking at the event, MTCO Executive Director Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij said the training workshop was a joint initiative of the Greater Mekong Subregion National Tourism Organizations (GMS NTOs), Agoda and MTCO, to support local accommodation establishments such as homestays, guesthouses, and eco-resorts to enhance their digital presence. She stressed that many businesses have good products and services but lack the tools to reach customers online, making it difficult for them to compete in the modern tourism landscape. “Our goal is to promote inclusive tourism, helping small businesses and rural communities benefit from the digitalization of tourism,” she affirmed.

Ms. Pattamaporn Aumpeng, Senior Manager, International Relations, Agoda, expressed her honor to partner with MTCO and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism in this initiative. She emphasized that small accommodation establishments are the heart of Mekong tourism, both preserving culture and developing the local economy . In the context of rapid digital technology development, improving digital skills and online marketing capacity is a key factor to help MSME businesses develop sustainably. Agoda is committed to continuing to accompany, providing practical training, digital tools and long-term support towards a comprehensive, adaptive and sustainable tourism industry.

Experts from Agoda and MTCO introduce e-commerce applications in tourism

Within the framework of the program, experts from Agoda and MTCO introduced e-commerce applications in tourism, guided businesses on registration, optimized online display, managed room sales performance and payment processes, helping accommodation establishments improve business efficiency and better reach domestic and foreign tourists.

The “E-commerce Training for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)” program is a regional initiative organized by MTCO in collaboration with Agoda within the framework of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Cooperation, implemented in member countries, including Vietnam. This is a concrete activity to realize the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 and the GMS Tourism Digitalization Action Plan 2025-2027, with a focus on reducing the digital skills gap, enhancing digital transformation and promoting the comprehensive participation of small businesses and local communities in the tourism value chain.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/tap-huan-thuong-mai-dien-tu-cho-cac-doanh-nghiep-luu-tru-sieu-nho-nho-va-vua-20251009081820934.htm