Ministry urges strong measures against legal violations in tourism
The tourism ministry has urged localities across Vietnam, especially international tourist destinations, to immediately roll out strict measures to detect, prevent and handle law violations in tourism
Hanoi (VNA) 🐼– The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has urged localities across the country, especially international tourist destinations, to immediately roll out strict measures to detect, prevent and handle violations of law in the field of tourism.
In a document sent to People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide on July 6, the ministry raised concern about serious violations of regulations in tourism business and tour guide activities in several localities, such as Da Nang City and Khanh Hoa province.
Among the violations, there have been foreigners working as tour guides and distorting Vietnam’s history.
The ministry requested provinces and cities to intensify inspections of tourism business activities, especially travelling and tour guide services, and impose strict punishments on law violations.
Other sectors such as the police, labour and market management agencies should coordinate with the tourism sector to detect any foreigners working illegally as well as traders and service providers receiving payments in foreign currencies or cheating tourists.
Localities are to report the results of the implementation of these measures to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) by August 30 this year.
Also on July 6, VNAT Director General Nguyen Van Tuan sent a letter to his counterpart Li Jinzao, asking for coordination in addressing law violations committed by Chinese tourists in Vietnam.
Specifically, a group of Chinese tourists caused social disorder at a bar in the central city of Da Nang on June 14. After drinking alcohol, a man in the group, named Hou Genshun, burned a Vietnamese note, which violated Vietnam’s Tourism Law. He was deported two days later.
Tuan expressed his hope that with the two sides will cooperate closely to build a civilised tourism environment and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of tourists, contributing to fostering bilateral partnership in the field.
The number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam rose by an average 5.9 percent a year in the 2011-2015 period and reached 1.78 million in 2015. In the first half of this year, 1.2 million Chinese nationals travelled to Vietnam, a rise of 47.9 percent year on year.-VNA
Visitors from China topped the list of foreign tourists to the southern central province of Khanh Hoa in the first three months of 2016 with more than 107,000 arrivals.
The national tourism administration has requested Khanh Hoa province improve tourism services provided for Chinese, following the emergence of illegal business activities by some Chinese tourists.
The Da Nang-based Trade and Tourism Ltd Company L will have its business license revoked for poor management over its clients, according to the tourism authority of central Da Nang city.
Many provisions in the 2005 Law on Tourism are outdated and impractical in the context of global integration and needed to be revised, tourism experts have said.
The Department of Tourism of central Da Nang city vowed to enforce strict penalties for foreign travel agencies and tour guides operating illegally, said the department’s Director Tran Chi Cuong.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A view of Da Nang city (Photo: VNA)
