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.
Individuals who have traveled internationally tend to have higher expectations for advanced technologies.
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.
