On March 3, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province issued a document to strengthen the management of tourism service business, travel and tour guides in the area.
Accordingly, the strengthening of management is implemented based on the 2017 Tourism Law and Decree 168/2017/ND-CP of the Government, and at the same time implementing the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on managing tourism products that pose a risk to the lives and health of tourists (collectively referred to as adventure tourism).
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lao Cai province requests the People's Committees of communes and wards to promote propaganda, regularly update information about adventure tourism products in the area; raise awareness of law compliance of business organizations, individuals and tourists when participating in these activities.
In the immediate future, localities need to review, statistically, and evaluate the operations of organizations and individuals providing adventure tourism products such as point guides, porters, guides, mountain climbing service providers, porters...
At the same time, summarize the types of adventure tourism that have not been specifically regulated in the Tourism Law and Decree 168 to propose supplementing and perfecting the legal framework.
For the Provincial Tourism Association, travel businesses, tourist areas and attractions that provide adventure products, it is required to strictly implement business conditions according to regulations; proactively assess risks, develop rescue plans, especially in unusual weather conditions.
Currently, Lao Cai is oriented to encourage research and development of adventure tourism products in many localities such as Bat Xat, Y Ty, Sa Pa, Ta Van, Ta Phin, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Thac Ba...
Therefore, businesses with exploitation needs must self-review the conditions according to regulations and send notifications to the Department no later than 15 days before starting business to be inspected and announced on the Electronic Information Portal.
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also requests travel businesses to strictly manage the activities of tour guides according to the assigned program; review and improve the quality of the tour guide team (including collaborators), and at the same time provide tourism program information and contact points to the Department before March 15, 2026 to serve the management coordination work.
Travel businesses that do not have headquarters in Lao Cai but regularly operate in the area are encouraged to register branches and representative offices according to the provisions of the Enterprise Law.
Notably, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism emphasized that accommodation establishments, organizations, and individuals are not allowed to organize travel business activities without a license; are not allowed to organize sightseeing and adventure tourism experiences when they do not meet the conditions according to legal regulations.
The Department of Tourism Management and Development is assigned to preside over and coordinate with the Department of Foreign Security (PA01) - Lao Cai Provincial Police and related units to strengthen inspection and strictly handle violations.
Tightening management is expected to contribute to improving service quality, ensuring safety for tourists, and creating a sustainable development platform for adventure tourism products - one of the potential directions of Lao Cai tourism in the coming time.
