Introduction to Virtual Reality in Tourism
The Mekong Delta, a region in Vietnam, is understood for its wealthy diversity of attractive tourism resources, including lush fruit orchards, a 28,000-km network of canals, coastal mangrove forests, and unique wetland areas. It can be home to many historical relic sites, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes. To develop tourism on this region, experts suggest applying virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
What are the Benefits of VR and AR in Tourism?
VR and AR technologies can digitise tourism destinations, offering a sensible and immersive experience for tourists. For example, VR technology can recreate the space of the Cai Rang floating market, enabling users to experience activities of the market through VR glasses without having to go to the positioning. These technologies also help enhance personal experiences as they provide tourists a probability to explore virtually before they visit actual destinations, thus diversifying tourism activities.
How Can VR and AR be Applied within the Mekong Delta?
Vu Tuan Viet, Director of Vietnam Virtual Reality Technology Development JSC, said that VR and AR, with their ability to supply vigorous experiences, have gotten necessary tools for tourism development. Not only do they meet the demand of recent tourism, but also they are useful for fuelling the expansion of the digital economy, helping enhance the competitiveness of Can Tho city and the Mekong Delta as a complete at each national and international levels.
Current Efforts in Smart Tourism
In the recent past, authorities of regional localities have focused on speeding up smart tourism through applying IT, constructing smart tourism portals, digitalising marketing activities, and developing applications using artificial intelligence, 3D and VR to supply tourists with unique experiences and help them locate destinations. "Can Tho Tourism", a tourism portal and smart mobile application, has been launched, enabling visitors to simply seek for information related to locations, accommodation, cuisine, tourist spots, shops, entertainment, travel agencies, and events.
Challenges and Solutions
However, the appliance of VR in regional tourism development still faces several obstacles, including the shortages of comprehensive technological infrastructure, high-quality human resources, together with support policies and incentives. To overcome these challenges, concerted solutions similar to constructing mechanisms and policies to extend the appliance of VR/AR technologies to education – training and tourism, developing technological infrastructure, and stepping up digital transformation are essential.
Conclusion
Applying VR/AR technologies in Can Tho and the Mekong Delta is an inevitable trend to develop tourism and higher connect the region with international markets. With its significant benefits and strengths in eco-tourism and experiential tourism, the region has the potential to change into a number one destination for tourists worldwide. By embracing VR and AR technologies, the Mekong Delta can offer unique and immersive experiences, attracting more visitors and driving economic growth.
