Da Nang tightens safety regulations on adventure tourism

The municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Saturday confirmed that vice-chairwoman of the Da Nang administration Nguyen Thi Anh Thi had directed the department to coordinate with relevant units to inspect adventure tourism service operators.

Service providers and supervising agencies were asked to conduct regular inspections of recreational and adventure activities in a bid to reinforce safety protocols and prevent incidents that endanger tourists.

The municipal administration has tasked inspectors with closely monitoring all adventure tourism operations.

Violations or unsafe practices will face strict penalties, and operations may be suspended or shut down if necessary.

Local authorities have also been instructed to continually update information on available adventure tourism products.

Besides, there will be increased efforts to raise awareness among service providers regarding compliance with legal and safety regulations.

The tightened oversight came in the wake of several accidents involving water sports and aerial activities such as parasailing and jet skiing, which occurred not only in Da Nang but also in other coastal tourist centers.

One of the most serious incidents took place on July 8, when 36-year-old H.Q.T. from Ho Chi Minh City took part in a paragliding tour organized by Tropical Forest Trading and Services One Member Co., Ltd. on Son Tra Peninsula.

During the descent, the paraglider malfunctioned, causing the male tourist to fall into a forested area where he died.

The pilot, 41-year-old L.M.P. of the company, who was flying tandem with the victim, also lost control and fell onto a nearby sandy beach.

He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Earlier, similar paragliding accidents had been reported at beaches in nearby Hoi An.