Integration of Mobile and Web GIS Technologies to Promote Smart and Sustainable Tourism in Vietnam

Abstract

Tourism is one of the most important factors in economic growth in Vietnam. However, it requires the balance between economics, social-cultures, and ecology because of their big impacts. In this paper, we propose a platform with mobile and web-based applications that can support smart and sustainable tourism in Vietnam for both local governments and visitors. The mobile application allows visitors to access location-based services to explore the visiting area, such as finding nearby natural attractions, as well as information to minimize the negative effects of tourism on the environment and the local community. It also enables users to report negative impacts to local government. The web application allows local authorities to monitor the status and trends of the habitant, natural environment, tourism infrastructure and activities in the area. The system uses geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to collect, analye and visualize various indicators of sustainability. The platform is developed with open-source technologies such as NodeJS, PostgreSQL, and Flutter. The paper demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of the proposed platform through case studies in Hoa Binh and BacKan, two provinces have many attractive natural sites.