Lam Dong Accelerates Digital Transformation to Advance Smart Tourism
Lam Dong is accelerating digital transformation in tourism by applying digital technologies to management, promotion, and product development, building a smart tourism ecosystem that enhances visitor experiences and supports sustainable industry growth.
From Hello Tea to digital destination branding
In Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward, the cartoon mascot Hello Tea has become a common presence on public information boards, promotional advertisements, social media channels, and Zalo sticker collections.
This chibi-style mascot, which features a tea leaf atop its head and hugs a Cau Dat Arabica coffee bean with a cheerful grin, has transitioned from a communication tool into a well-known emblem of the area.
What sets Hello Tea apart is that it was developed using artificial intelligence (AI), driven by the need to update public communications following the administrative reorganization of local government entities.
According to Duong Quoc Can, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Division of Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward, the AI-generated mascot was designed to create a contemporary visual identity and appeal to younger audiences following the administrative reorganization.
Using the mascot as a foundation, the locality has developed logos, digital sticker packs, and promotional materials, and plans to feature the character on OCOP products, local agricultural specialties, and souvenirs to showcase the renowned Cau Dat tea and coffee region on digital platforms.
In addition to updating communication methods, Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward has also increased the use of digital technology to enhance its image and boost tourism. Information about attractions, tourism offerings, festivals, and cultural activities is now extensively shared through digital channels, making the area more accessible to both domestic and international tourists.
Thanks to more effective online marketing, Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward has achieved greater visibility among travelers. In the first half of the year, the area received over 14,000 overnight visitors, with an average stay of around two days.
The local area is also investing in various projects and activities aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, such as upgrading the Huynh Tan Phat roundabout, building a picturesque rest area and photo spot at D'ran Pass, organizing tree-planting initiatives for mai anh dao (wild Himalayan cherry blossoms), launching the "Bright – Green – Clean – Beautiful" community competition, and holding the Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward Trail 2026 race.
In addition, flower-adorned streets and distinctive floral displays are being preserved as part of the preparations for the 11th Da Lat Flower Festival.
Together with digital platforms and Hello Tea's visual identity, these efforts contribute to positioning Xuan Truong – Da Lat Ward as a vibrant, contemporary, and inviting destination.
Building a smart tourism ecosystem
Beyond individual localities, Lam Dong is gradually establishing a comprehensive smart tourism ecosystem throughout the province. The smart tourism framework currently includes data on nearly 1,700 places to stay, close to 1,000 dining establishments, and numerous tourist sites, shopping areas, and entertainment options, laying a significant groundwork for tourism management and ensuring that visitors can easily find destination information.
Simultaneously, various tourism assets have been digitized with the help of digital maps, VR360 technology, 3D models, and QR codes installed at tourist sites. By simply using a smartphone, visitors can quickly access information about the history, culture, architecture, and other useful travel information about a location.
The cultural sector has made notable strides in its digital transformation. Lam Dong's 3D Virtual Museum now draws around 1,500 online visitors every day. Officials have rolled out over 700 QR codes, cataloged nearly 6,000 museum artifacts, and digitized more than 400 artifacts, while also preparing digital records for an additional 12,000 artifacts.
More than 1.1 million pages of archival materials, rare books, and documents related to President Ho Chi Minh and local history have been digitized, aiding in the preservation of cultural heritage and enhancing public access.
Tourism promotion has similarly transitioned from conventional marketing techniques to digital platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Youtube and Zalo, alongside livestreams highlighting festivals, destinations, and tourism offerings. These initiatives have notably broadened the reach of Lam Dong's tourism image while maintaining relatively low promotional expenses.
According to Le Thi Truc Linh, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province plans to enhance its tourism database, link it with the Intelligent Operations Center (IOC), expedite the digitization of heritage, create virtual reality tourism experiences, and utilize artificial intelligence for destination marketing, market analysis, and predicting tourism trends.
The province has recognized digital transformation as a crucial factor for improving tourism competitiveness and establishing a smart, contemporary tourism sector while maintaining the unique cultural identity of Lam Dong.