As technology continues to shape the travel experience, Vietnamese travelers—both domestic and outbound—are setting different expectations for the future of travel tech. While convenience and efficiency remain key priorities, their exposure to international innovations significantly influences their preferences.

Overview of Vietnamese Travelers’ Expectations for Travel Technology Applications

Travelers today prioritize essential and practical technologies that enrich their travel experience. This includes tools for navigation, virtual reality previews, and advanced payment systems. Those who have traveled internationally often develop heightened expectations for these technologies, such as artificial intelligence and chip applications. Their exposure to a variety of tech solutions while abroad influences their familiarity and sets higher standards for what they expect during their travels.

Differences in Travel Tech Expectations Between Domestic and Outbound Travelers

Among all travel technologies, payment flexibility stands out as the most highly anticipated advancement. An impressive 72% of travelers expressed a desire for seamless payment solutions, highlighting the growing demand for cashless transactions, digital wallets, and alternative payment methods. Interestingly, both domestic (62%) and outbound travelers (63%) share similar expectations, indicating that the push for modern payment systems extends beyond those traveling abroad.

As travelers seek more immersive experiences, virtual reality (VR) technology is gaining popularity. 60% of Vietnamese travelers expect VR to play a role in their journeys, with outbound travelers showing slightly higher interest (63%) than domestic ones (58%). This suggests that those who travel internationally are more accustomed to advanced digital experiences.

Similarly, AI chatbots are increasingly seen as valuable tools for real-time customer support. However, expectations vary significantly between outbound travelers (51%) and domestic travelers (41%). The higher demand from outbound travelers indicates a preference for AI-driven assistance when navigating unfamiliar destinations.

For outbound travelers, offline access to maps and translation tools is crucial. 65% of them expect this technology to be available, compared to 52% of domestic travelers. The significant gap suggests that international travelers face greater challenges with language barriers and connectivity, making offline accessibility a vital necessity.

Emerging technologies like smart luggage (RFID e-tags) and robotic assistants are generating notable interest. 54% of outbound travelers see value in smart luggage, while 43% of domestic travelers find it appealing. Similarly, robotic assistants attract 45% of outbound travelers, whereas only 37% of domestic travelers find them relevant. These trends indicate that frequent international travelers, who encounter smart travel solutions in global airports and hotels, are more inclined to adopt them.

Conclusion

Vietnamese travelers are embracing technology at different levels based on their exposure to international travel. 

Flexible payment options remain the top priority, highlighting the growing demand for cashless transactions and digital wallets in tourism. The high expectation for VR technology and AI chatbots signals a shift toward more digitized and immersive travel experiences, particularly in trip planning and customer support.

Outbound travelers demonstrate a stronger demand for technology that supports international mobility, especially in translation tools, offline maps, and smart luggage solutions, which help navigate foreign destinations more seamlessly. While robotic assistants and AI-driven automation are gaining attention, their adoption still lags behind more practical and immediate needs, such as payment solutions and virtual experience technologies.

By understanding these differences, destinations and businesses can better align their digital transformation strategies, ensuring a seamless and enhanced experience for all travelers.

The global travel industry is witnessing a transformative shift with technology at its core, enhancing the way travelers explore, book, and experience journeys. In Vietnam, an emerging travel market, the adoption of technology has begun to reshape traveler expectations. Although significant progress has been made, there are still untapped opportunities for businesses and destinations to leverage advanced travel technologies.

Technology Usage Among Vietnamese Travelers

Vietnamese travelers have embraced digital tools to simplify their journeys, particularly in mainstream areas like social media and navigation apps. These tools serve as essential companions, enabling travelers to plan, discover, and navigate destinations seamlessly. However, there remains an underutilization of advanced travel technologies such as AI-powered tools, virtual assistants, and e-ticketing systems. The dominance of these traditional tools highlights a gap in technology usage, leaving opportunities for businesses to integrate innovative solutions that enhance personalization and convenience. As travelers grow increasingly tech-savvy, businesses that address these gaps can position themselves as frontrunners in Vietnam’s travel tech landscape.

Travel Tech Perception in Vietnamese Travelers

Vietnamese travelers hold a positive outlook on the role of technology in improving their travel experiences. A notable shift has emerged, where travelers value practical, user-friendly tools that meet immediate needs while enriching their overall journey. Technologies like smooth payment systems, AI chatbots, and offline accessibility resonate most with their expectations. This growing optimism underscores a critical insight: travelers are open to exploring cutting-edge technologies if they can deliver real value. AI-powered tools, virtual reality (VR), and automation are gaining momentum as Vietnamese travelers increasingly seek personalization, efficiency, and engagement in their journeys.

Key Expectations for Travel Technologies

Based on insights from the Vietnam Travel Tech Survey 2024, travelers expressed clear preferences for technologies that prioritize convenience, immersive experiences, and support. Payment flexibility emerged as the most significant expectation, with 72% of respondents highlighting the importance of seamless and hassle-free transactions. This preference underscores a strong demand for tools that simplify the payment process, ensuring smoother travel experiences.

Offline access to maps and translations ranked second, with 63% of travelers emphasizing its importance. This reflects a growing need for accessibility and reliability, especially when navigating unfamiliar destinations without stable connectivity. Similarly, 60% of travelers are drawn to virtual reality (VR) technology, which allows them to explore and preview destinations in an immersive way, thereby enhancing inspiration and decision-making.

Personalized assistance also stood out as a priority, with 58% of respondents expressing excitement about AI chatbots. These tools provide real-time support, answering queries and offering tailored recommendations that improve traveler satisfaction. Automation, too, has captured attention, as seen in the rising interest in robotic assistants. With 52% of travelers showing interest, it is clear that automation tools have the potential to streamline services and enhance efficiency. Finally, smart luggage and RFID tags, which were noted by 50% of respondents, highlight the demand for more advanced and efficient baggage handling solutions.

These expectations reflect an evolving travel tech landscape where travelers are ready to embrace innovative tools that promise to optimize and elevate their overall travel experiences.

Why Businesses and Destinations Need to Take Action

The findings present both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses and destinations. To meet traveler expectations, businesses need to invest in technologies that deliver real value while addressing gaps in the current landscape. Tools like VR and AI personalization can enhance travel experiences by offering tailored recommendations and meeting individual needs, leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty. Similarly, the adoption of automated solutions, such as advanced payment systems and robotic assistance, can streamline operations, reduce friction points, and improve efficiency across the travel journey.

As the market evolves, businesses that embrace technological innovations will gain a competitive edge in Vietnam’s dynamic travel market. This allows them to not only appeal to domestic travelers but also position themselves as attractive destinations for international tourists. From personalized support through AI chatbots to immersive previews with VR technology, there are endless opportunities for businesses to leverage travel tech to transform the way travelers experience their journeys.

Vietnam’s travel tech landscape is at a turning point, with significant opportunities awaiting businesses that embrace technology to meet traveler demands. By investing in practical and innovative tools, businesses can deliver personalized, efficient, and immersive experiences that resonate with tech-savvy Vietnamese travelers.

Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight as a vibrant market for travel technology of the region, driven by its rapidly evolving digital landscape and increasing consumer demand. With a tech-savvy population and supportive policies, the country is shaping a more connected and sustainable travel ecosystem. This blog explores how technology is influencing and fueling growth in the Vietnam travel industry.

 

1. A Strong Digital Ecosystem Paving the Way

Vietnam’s digital transformation is underpinned by impressive numbers: over 78 million internet users and a social media penetration rate of 73.3%—a fertile ground for digital innovation. This widespread connectivity allows businesses to deliver personalized, seamless experiences to travelers.

Business and government-led initiatives in AI, IoT, VR, and big data are reshaping the industry, targeting not just operational efficiency but also meaningful traveler engagement. Projections indicate that Vietnam’s online travel market will reach $7 billion by 2025, up from $1 billion in 2021 – a testament to the sector’s dynamic potential.

Businesses and destinations have a unique opportunity to leverage this ecosystem to develop travel solutions that are not only effective but also resilient and forward-looking.

2. Mainstream Adoption and Untapped Potential

Popular technologies such as online travel agencies (OTAs), navigation apps, and e-wallets are now integral to Vietnamese travelers’ journeys. These tools help streamline trip planning, enable seamless payments, and simplify navigation. However, there is significant room for innovation.

Advanced solutions like e-tickets, virtual assistants, and tech-enabled hotel services remain underutilized, with awareness and usage rates still low. Only about 30% of Vietnamese travelers reported using e-tickets or tech-enabled hotel services in the past 12 months, while adoption of virtual assistants lingers below 15%, according to Vietnam Travel Tech Survey 2024 by The Outbox Company.

Closing this gap presents an enormous opportunity for businesses to cater to evolving traveler expectations, leveraging these tools to enhance customer satisfaction and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

3. Addressing Barriers to a Seamless Experience

Despite the promise of technology, Vietnamese travelers face challenges that hinder its full potential. Common barriers can be mentioned as Platform-specific issues, unreliable content, particularly on social media, or limited accessibility affecting less tech-savvy users.

To overcome these obstacles, businesses must prioritize user-centric designs, robust security measures, and clear, accurate communication. Improved accessibility and better technical support will be essential to unlocking the full potential of travel technologies for all user segments.

4. Optimism and Innovations for the Future

Vietnamese travelers are optimistic about the transformative potential of new technologies. The allure of personalized, immersive solutions such as AI-powered chatbots, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) is undeniable.

According to the report, 72% of respondents are eager to adopt payment flexibility, while 63% are interested in offline access to maps/translation tools, and 60% would like to have virtual reality (VR) experiences.

The integration of these technologies promises to revolutionize the industry. AI tools, for example, can provide tailored recommendations, streamline booking processes, and offer real-time support. Meanwhile, VR and AR can deliver rich, engaging previews of destinations, allowing travelers to explore virtually before they embark on physical journeys.

As these innovations mature, businesses that embrace them early will capture the attention of digitally savvy travelers and set themselves apart in a competitive market.

The Road Ahead

As Vietnam’s travel industry evolves, businesses have a unique opportunity to take the lead by embracing advanced technologies. By addressing current challenges and focusing on innovative solutions, the tourism sector can secure a sustainable and prosperous future.

The digital age has opened up new possibilities for the Vietnam travel sector. For those who are willing to adapt and innovate, the rewards are significant—not only in terms of growth but also in creating memorable experiences that deeply resonate with travelers.