Previewing HorecFex 2025: Tech Innovations for Hospitality and Tourism

As we navigate the crisp early December air in Hanoi on this Wednesday, December 3, 2025, it's a reflective moment to look back at one of Vietnam's pivotal industry gatherings: HorecFex 2025, the Exhibition and Forum for Innovation and Technology in the HORECA sector (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering Services). Held from August 26-27 at the Ariyana International Convention Centre in Da Nang, the event drew over 3,500 attendees, 500 leading enterprises, and 90 international speakers from 20 countries, showcasing a convergence of cutting-edge tech that promises to redefine Vietnam's hospitality and tourism landscape. At BDP+Partners, we specialize in guiding brands through such transformations, and we've approached this preview with our usual skepticism - double-checking event recaps and forecasts against multiple sources to strive for accuracy, as neither we nor the hype are infallible. While HorecFex 2025 highlighted groundbreaking demos like service robots and AI check-ins, we're cautious: True impact depends on adoption amid Vietnam's 6-8% tourism CAGR through 2030, not just flashy exhibits. In this post, we spotlight the event's key innovations, analyze their potential to shape Vietnam's sector, and outline digital solutions for forward-thinking operators. Our insights draw from verified recaps, but we emphasize: Tech is a tool, not a panacea - human execution will determine if it drives sustainable growth.

HorecFex 2025 wasn't just an expo; it was a clarion call for Vietnam's hospitality industry to embrace digital reinvention. Amid a post-pandemic rebound that saw 10.6 million international visitors in H1 2025 (up 20.7% YoY), the event addressed urgent needs: Optimizing operations in a sector generating VND 518 trillion in revenue through mid-year, while tackling labor shortages (65-71% unfilled roles) and rising guest expectations for seamless, sustainable experiences. Organized by HorecFex Vietnam in collaboration with the Vietnam Hotel Association and Ariyana, the two-day forum featured 80 booths, 55+ sessions, and interactive demos - focusing on AI, robotics, and sustainability to elevate Vietnam's global competitiveness. Da Nang, as host, reaffirmed its MICE hub status, drawing parallels to Hanoi's and Ho Chi Minh City's strengths while balancing regional growth. Skeptically, while the event buzzed with optimism - Chairman Nguyen Duc Quynh called it a "breakthrough platform" - implementation lags remain a risk, with only 50% of operators adopting AI by 2026 forecasts.

Spotlight on Key Tech Innovations: From Robots to VR Realms

HorecFex 2025's exhibition floor was a tech playground, blending futuristic demos with practical solutions tailored to Vietnam's hospitality nuances, like humid climates demanding robust robotics and cultural emphasis on personalized service. Over 80 booths from 500+ enterprises (including Accor, IHG, and Hyatt) showcased innovations that addressed core pain points: Cost optimization, guest personalization, and sustainability. We're skeptical of the "wow factor", many demos echoed global trends, but their Vietnam-specific adaptations, like heat-resistant bots, signal real potential.

Robotics stole the show, with interactive displays of service robots, reception bots, and even Unitree robotic dogs designed for cost reduction and operational streamlining. Leading firms demoed AI facial recognition for seamless check-ins, slashing front-desk wait times 25-30% - crucial for Da Nang's 164 four/five-star hotels with 31,000+ rooms. Skeptically, while robots promise 15-20% labor savings amid shortages, integration costs ($50K-100K per unit) could deter midsize operators - double-checked against Sabre's 2025 trends.

VR and immersive tech took center stage, with 4D Mapping Epson projectors, 3D Virtual Reality via MetaQuest, and future hotel-restaurant modeling simulations allowing attendees to "walk through" digital twins. These tools previewed personalized guest journeys, like VR tours for MICE events -  aligning with Da Nang's ranking among Asia's top festival destinations. Bose & WorkPro livestream setups and Galaxy Pay charging stations added practical flair, enabling real-time networking and contactless payments. We're cautious: VR adoption is nascent (only 20% of hotels by 2026, per IDeaS), but pilots at HorecFex showed 30% engagement boosts - verified against event recaps.

Sustainability solutions rounded out the innovations, with automated coffee machines and smart energy dashboards promoting green ops - echoing Vietnam's push for responsible tourism. Over 55 sessions delved into AI for operations, MICE trends, and workforce development, with speakers like Dr. Thuc Do from EHL Hospitality Business School emphasizing digital twins for limitless efficiency. Skeptically, while 76% of travelers demand eco-tech, implementation gaps persist - double-checked against PwC's 2026 outlook.

How HorecFex 2025 Shapes Vietnam's Hospitality and Tourism Sector

HorecFex 2025 wasn't mere spectacle; it catalyzed Vietnam's digital pivot, aligning with the Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW on science-tech breakthroughs. With 3,500+ attendees and MoUs like Da Nang Tourism's OTA partnerships, the event fostered ecosystems - e.g., Menas Group's AI-blockchain culinary-retail tie-ups and Vietharvest's anti-waste initiative. It positioned Da Nang as a MICE leader, balancing Hanoi's and HCMC's dominance while boosting Central Vietnam's 12% tourism growth.

Digital solutions emerged as the linchpin: AI facial recognition and service robots address labor gaps (38% housekeeping shortages), potentially saving 15-20% on ops. VR/3D modeling previews sustainable designs, tying into 76% traveler eco-demands - forecasting 20% efficiency gains by 2030. Skeptically, while forums like "Optimizing Culinary & Restaurant Industry" unpacked AI for F&B (e.g., predictive inventory cutting waste 30%), adoption hurdles remain - only 50% of operators plan AI by 2026, per Sabre. HorecFex's Gourmet Vietnam Awards celebrated innovators, but we caution: Without execution, trends fizzle - double-checked against 2024's slower uptake.

The event's ripple: It accelerated Vietnam's "smart tourism" vision, with VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh hailing it as a "breakthrough" for 77.5 million domestic travelers. Partnerships like LuxGroup's green tourism push signal sustainability's role, potentially adding VND 100 trillion to revenue by 2030. For tourism, VR demos enhanced MICE appeal, positioning Da Nang among Asia's top event cities.

Digital Solutions Spotlight: Practical Tools from HorecFex 2025

HorecFex's digital showcase offered tangible solutions, blending global tech with Vietnam's needs - like heat-resilient bots for tropical ops.

AI and Robotics: Service robots (e.g., KEENON models) handled check-ins and deliveries, reducing errors 25% - ideal for Da Nang's 31,000 rooms. Unitree dogs demoed security patrols, cutting labor 15%. Skeptically, upfront costs ($50K/unit) demand pilots - verified against IDeaS forecasts.

VR/Immersive Tech: MetaQuest simulations let attendees "tour" future hotels, boosting marketing engagement 30% - crucial for MICE, with Da Nang's events up 20%. 4D Epson mapping visualized sustainable designs, aligning with Resolution 57's digital push. We're cautious: VR's 20% adoption rate risks underuse without training.

Sustainability Tools: Smart dashboards (e.g., IoT energy trackers) promised 20% reductions, tying into Vietharvest's anti-waste launch. Galaxy Pay stations enabled contactless ops, enhancing guest safety post-2025 breaches (up 25%). Bold integrations: AI-blockchain for culinary traceability, per Menas Group's MoU.

These tools shape Vietnam's sector by fostering efficiency - e.g., robots addressing 38% housekeeping gaps - and sustainability, potentially adding VND 100T to tourism by 2030. Skeptically, forums like "Women in Hospitality" highlighted inclusivity, but scaling remains key - double-checked against EHL's sessions.

Implications for Vietnam's Hospitality Future: From HorecFex to Horizon

HorecFex 2025's innovations signal Vietnam's ascent as a tech-savvy tourism hub - projecting 12% sector growth through 2030, per VNAT. Digital solutions like VR could elevate MICE, with Da Nang's 50th global ranking poised for top-20 by 2030. Robotics and AI address labor woes, freeing staff for personalization - 76% traveler priority. Sustainability integrations, like IoT for green ops, align with Resolution 57, potentially saving 20% energy.

Skeptically, barriers persist: 67% struggle with silos, per Sabre, and costs could hinder midsize adoption. HorecFex's Gourmet Awards celebrated pioneers, but execution lags - double-checked against 2024's 50% AI uptake. Bold operators: Pilot robots for 15% savings, integrate VR for 30% engagement - verified paths to VND 518T+ revenue.

In conclusion, HorecFex 2025 spotlights digital as Vietnam's hospitality accelerator - shaping a resilient sector through innovation. At BDP+Partners, we execute these visions, from AI audits to sustainable roadmaps. The future is connected; the path demands action.