Hanoi’s tourism industry is continuously seeking technological advancements to support the growth of its smart tourism sector. One innovative solution that has been implemented is the integration of QR codes into several of the city’s historical sites. This technological enhancement aims to elevate the overall tourist experience and provide visitors with easy access to relevant information and interactive content while exploring Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. By simply scanning the QR codes, tourists can delve deeper into the historical significance of each site and gain a comprehensive understanding of its importance. This not only enriches the travel experience but also promotes a deeper appreciation for Hanoi’s cultural heritage among visitors. The use of QR codes in this context reflects Hanoi’s commitment to harnessing technology to create a more immersive and engaging tourism experience.
| Local visitors scan QR code through the gate of the Temple of Literature. Photo: Hoai Nam/ The Hanoi Times |
At 8 am, Nguyen Viet Cuong, an experienced tour guide, arrived at the magnificent Temple of Literature cultural and historical site alongside a group of enthusiastic tourists from the beautiful northern province of Hai Duong. Much to his convenience, instead of having to purchase separate paper tickets for each individual, he only needed to acquire a single ticket, specifically an electronic receipt. This innovative ticketing system allowed him to effortlessly scan the QR code at the entrance gate, smoothly ushering his entire group into the remarkable destination.
“I find using electronic tickets to be much more convenient. In the past, there would often be a long line with 20 people waiting, but now we only need to scan the QR code at the gate and the whole process takes just a few minutes,” Cuong explained.
This is a convenience brought by the electronic ticketing system at the cultural and historical site of the Temple of Literature, which has been in operation since June of this year.
Khong Minh Huy, a local visitor, told The Hanoi Times that using electronic receipts is not only convenient for groups of travelers but also for individuals. It eliminates the need to print paper tickets, thus protecting the environment.
Huy, a visitor to the relic site with his nephew, mentioned that this ticketing system is extremely convenient as tourists can simply scan the QR code on their smartphones to begin their exploration of the tourism site.
The Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities of the Temple of Literature states that the QR code embedded in the ticket carries essential details such as the date and time of issuance, as well as a unique serial number.
Nguyen Van Tu, the deputy director of the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities at the Temple of Literature, shared with The Hanoi Times that leveraging technology to sell tickets to customers can help save on printing costs.
He explained that the integration of QR codes into electronic tickets for customers, particularly group tourists, simplifies the task of tax authorities when it comes to monitoring and regulating them.
| Electronic ticketing technology is also being applied at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Nhan Dan newspaper |
Electronic ticketing technology has revolutionized the way tourists visit historical sites like Thang Long – Hanoi Imperial Citadel. With the use of the site’s application or the General Department of Tourism’s application, booking a visit has never been easier. Upon successful booking, each visitor is issued a unique QR code. This code acts as their ticket and grants them access to the relic site. Gone are the days of long queues and paper tickets – simply scan the code and enjoy the experience.
Nguyen Hong Chi, Director of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, is determined to embrace the digital transformation of the culture and tourism industry. To promote heritage, the center is implementing various innovative solutions. These include 3D digitization for conservation, the utilization of audio guide software, and the introduction of QR codes. By incorporating these technologies, they aim to enhance the visitor’s experience and preserve the rich heritage of Thang Long – Hanoi.
Sergiusz Klos, a tourist from the Netherlands, recently had the opportunity to explore the rich historical sites of Hanoi. One of the highlights of his visit was witnessing the seamless electronic ticketing system at the Quan Thanh Temple, which left him highly satisfied.
He enthusiastically explained that electronic ticketing systems provide numerous benefits to tourists in terms of convenience and efficiency. From the smooth process of purchasing tickets to the hassle-free verification, this innovative system greatly enhances the overall travel experience. He confidently stated his preference for destinations and historical sites that have embraced electronic ticketing systems, as they undoubtedly offer a more streamlined and enjoyable visit for visitors. With these advantages, it is no wonder why he highly recommends opting for such destinations when planning a trip.
| Quan Thanh Temple is using the electronic ticket system. Photo: TITC |
Thanh Hung, an international tour guide, enthusiastically supports the electronic ticketing system at Quan Thanh Temple. He highly appreciates the advantages of this system and believes it to be beneficial.
“If Quan Thanh Temple implements online ticket purchasing in the future, it will be a significant advancement in attracting more tourists,” he remarked.
Bui Hong Son, the Deputy Director of the Quan Thanh Temple Management Board, has announced plans to further enhance the electronic ticketing system at the temple. The objective is to offer a more convenient experience for visitors and tourists who wish to explore the magnificent temple. Taking into account the growing number of people who visit the temple each year, these improvements are expected to streamline the ticketing process and ensure a hassle-free visit for all. By leveraging the latest technology and implementing user-friendly features, the Quan Thanh Temple aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for its visitors.
Statistics from the Hanoi Department of Tourism reveal a significant growth in tourism for the first five months of 2023. Hanoi welcomed a whopping 10.11 million tourists during this period, marking a remarkable 53.9% increase compared to the same period last year. The surge in tourism was mainly driven by international visitors, with more than 1.7 million coming to Hanoi, which is nearly ten times higher than the previous year. This exceptional rise in tourist numbers is a testament to Hanoi’s appeal as a popular destination and its thriving tourism industry.
To further promote tourism in Hanoi, it is crucial to embrace new technology and transition towards smart, traveler-friendly practices. This, according to experts, will greatly enhance tourists’ overall experience.
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