HORECFEX Vietnam 2026, a technology forum focused on digital transformation in hospitality and tourism, took place in Da Nang at the Ariyana International Convention Centre on August 20-21, 2026. The event featured nearly 100 exhibitors, more than 40 discussion sessions, and 55 speakers representing 20 countries.
Event Overview and Participation
The forum, coordinated by the Vietnam Hotel Association and held under the theme “ALL YOU NEED – Knowledge, Technology, Supply and Connectivity,” attracted diverse industry stakeholders. Discussion topics ranged across artificial intelligence applications, hotel management, revenue optimization, sales and marketing, sustainability, food and beverage operations, and workforce development. Technologies demonstrated included AI, automation, data
management, smart room systems, and energy and sustainable operating solutions tailored for the hospitality sector.
Business-to-business networking sessions at HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 connected investors, operators, suppliers, and international partners, encouraging collaborations that support a smarter, more sustainable tourism industry.
Digital Transformation and Policy Context in Vietnam
The event aligned with Vietnam’s accelerated adoption of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 on science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Officials and business leaders emphasized that digital transformation is essential for enhancing tourism competitiveness and sustainability, shifting focus from merely showcasing scenic landscapes to providing distinctive cultural experiences.
Da Nang is advancing supportive measures for small- and medium-sized enterprises to
adopt digital technologies and AI, aiming to become a central hub for innovation and AI development in central Vietnam.
Quantum Year 2026 and Collaborative Innovation
HORECFEX Vietnam 2026 coincided with the Vietnam Global Innovation Connect (VGIC) 2026 platform, which fosters cooperation among policymakers, enterprises, investors, startups, and global Vietnamese experts to convert knowledge and technology into practical development projects. Quantum Year 2026, themed “Quantum Connectivity – Mastering Technology – Breakthrough Development,” focuses on science, technology, education and training, and innovation ecosystems.
A Gia Lai official noted that strong networks linking government agencies, research institutions, universities, businesses, and scientific organizations are foundational to accelerating quantum technology development.
Hanoi targets its digital economy to comprise approximately 40% of Gross Regional Domestic Product by 2030, with Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park designated as its core research and development hub.
Scientific Cooperation and Talent Development
A Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology delegation led by Vice President Prof. Dr. Tran Tuan Anh visited Austria from July 19-23, 2026, to engage with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna University of Technology, and the International Atomic Energy Agency, promoting science and technology cooperation.
The Vietnam School on Astrophysics, held annually since 2013, continues to prepare young scientists in astronomy and astrophysics.
Quantum Year 2026 includes a technology contest featuring nearly 100 contestants from 26 teams composed of students, PhD candidates, young researchers, startups, and tech talents, supported by 50 experts and mentors.
Prominent figures at the event stressed that AI has unparalleled potential to increase productivity, essential for sustained economic growth. Scientific and technological advancement was underscored as critical to overcoming Vietnam’s middle-income trap. Lessons learned from Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem development inform Vietnam’s strategic focus on technological autonomy.
Ho Chi Minh City is investing in building human capacity for the quantum computing era and offers incentives such as housing, transport support,
streamlined immigration, improved research facilities, and enhanced working conditions to attract global talent.
