Lam Dong issues temporary rule on adventure tourism

Lam Dong Province has issued a temporary regulation governing adventure tourism activities, according to the Central Highlands province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

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Under this regulation, adventure tour operators must have international travel licenses and their adventure travel programs are approved by authorities. 

In addition, they must have necessary facilities and equipment, instructors with adventure tourism training certificates and rescuers on standby in dangerous areas.

Tour companies must provide sufficient information about adventure travel programs for visitors, warn them of potential dangers associated with these tours and purchase travel insurance for guests.

Organizers must also request travelers to provide personal information and sign physical fitness declarations at the start of the tour.

Guests must be provided with essential skills and fully equipped and must adhere to the guidance and supervision of instructors during a program. 

They would be responsible for any accidents if they provide false information about ages and health conditions or disregard the instructions given.

Those with a history of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and other diseases would be banned from adventure activities.

Hoang Ngoc Huy, director of the department, said adventure travel has been developing rapidly in the province while the Tourism Law has no clear definition of such type of travel and no relevant regulations.

In late February, two accidents occurred in Lam Dong with one at the Datanla waterfall in Dalat City and one at Bay Tang waterfall in Duc Trong District, killing a total of four foreign tourists.

The accidents exposed many problems with Lam Dong’s adventure tourism management as many tour organizers had not done enough to ensure safety for tourists and have not even bought insurance for travelers.