During the 2024 Hanoi Food and Culture Festival, held from November 28 to December 1, visitors were introduced to a groundbreaking experience with “Pho So Ha Thanh,” where a smart robot assisted in cooking and serving Vietnam’s iconic pho. This intelligent robot not only participated in the cooking process but also delivered bowls of pho directly to diners, sparking curiosity and excitement among both locals and tourists eager to try a traditional dish prepared by cutting-edge technology.
Earlier in September 2024, at the HorecFex Vietnam technology and innovation forum for the hospitality sector, a $15,000 tourism robot imported from Hong Kong was showcased at the Ariyana International Convention Center in Da Nang. This robot, equipped to interact with and guide visitors, highlighted the growing role of AI in enhancing guest experiences.
In October 2024, a waiter robot debuted at Premier Pearl Hotel in Vung Tau, drawing attention for its ability to serve food, clear tables, and offer refreshments to guests in the lobby.
AI Applications Beyond Robotics
Robots are only one aspect of AI’s application in Vietnam’s tourism industry. In recent years, businesses and local authorities have increasingly embraced digital transformation and AI to stay ahead of trends and enhance service delivery.
Among the most popular AI tools is the chatbot, which interacts with customers across platforms like Messenger, Zalo, WhatsApp, and official websites. These bots provide instant support, answering frequently asked questions about flights, accommodations, services, and prices. Leveraging AI, chatbots analyze customer behavior to offer personalized recommendations for destinations, tours, and travel itineraries, while also communicating in multiple languages to cater to international visitors.
AI is also pivotal in processing and analyzing customer data. Advanced algorithms filter and identify travel preferences and habits, enabling businesses to anticipate trends and adapt strategies to meet customer needs. This technology helps optimize pricing strategies, ensuring competitive rates that attract customers while maximizing profits.
Moreover, AI supports tourism enterprises in managing distribution channels. Platforms like Traveloka and Agoda utilize AI to dynamically adjust prices, streamline inventory management, and enhance revenue strategies. Automated systems monitor global distribution networks, update prices, and refine distribution plans to maximize profitability.
A Promising Future
AI’s applications extend beyond pricing and logistics. The technology is also being used to create and optimize content, such as images, videos, and service descriptions, to attract target audiences. This capability improves marketing efforts and enhances customer engagement across various platforms.
Looking ahead, AI is expected to play an increasingly vital role in Vietnam’s tourism industry. From personalizing travel experiences and minimizing security risks to optimizing passenger distribution and crafting detailed itineraries, AI holds immense potential to transform the sector.
AI also empowers businesses to refine promotional materials, websites, and marketing content, enabling them to effectively reach diverse customer demographics both domestically and internationally.
As AI becomes more prevalent in Vietnam’s tourism sector, it opens up exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. This technological advancement promises to drive Vietnam’s tourism industry toward a more sustainable, efficient, and customer-centric future.