Introducing an "information Gate" for Vietnam's Tourism

Introducing an "information Gate" for Vietnam's Tourism

How can e-commerce be applied effectively when almost all Vietnamese travel companies are inexperienced in information technology and financially hindered? A seminar entitled "E-commerce Transaction Floor with member enterprises of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA)" attempted to deal with some of the problems that face local travel companies.

VITA needs to build a modern e-commerce transaction "gate" to act as a "central market". This gate would be an easy way for visitors to find out about Vietnam without local travel companies needing to spend much on promotion, suggested Nguyen Van Thao, Vice Secretary General of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

VITA and VCCI will be able to introduce the full spectrum of Vietnam's tourism while more detailed programs presenting tourist products will be undertaken over by tourist companies. Local companies will have direct transaction with customers through this 'e-gate.' It would be very prudent of VCCI and VITA to launch information on the site, Thao stressed.

According to Le Dai Tam, Secretary General of VITA, many have built their own websites but do not pay due attention to promoting their products or do not have direct transaction with customers. On the other hand, most Vietnamese tourist companies are of a small scale, thus incapable of building an effective tourism website. This is a real impediment to Vietnam's tourism.

Tourism is one of Vietnam's leading sectors in the application of information technology and e-commerce. The website is expected to be launched in 2005.

• Lan Anh