Tourists come to Hue for a trip on a rainy day

Safety first

Recently, a flash flood swept away tourists at the Cu Lan village tourist area, Lat commune, Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province, which occurred in the early afternoon of October 24, killing 4 people (including 3 passengers swept away by the flood and 1 passenger injured and died on the way to the emergency room), raising many concerns. For the tourism industry, it was a regrettable and heartbreaking incident.

Tourist safety has long been a top priority in the tourism industry. From waterfall, sea, lagoon tourism to other types of tourism, the tourism industry has repeatedly issued warnings and specific instructions regarding the issue of ensuring security and safety for tourists. However, it is worrying that unfortunate incidents still occur.

In Thua Thien Hue in particular, and the Central region in general, the biggest concern during the rainy season is the risk of insecurity at some tourist destinations that may occur due to the erratic developments of extreme weather. Mr. Hoang Thanh Duy, Director of the A Nor Community Ecotourism Cooperative (A Luoi district) said that the safety of tourists is still paramount. “During the rainy season, we warn and do not allow visitors to bathe in the waterfalls for fear of insecurity. However, the important thing is that tourists are still very aware,” Mr. Duy affirmed.

In fact, many tourists do not want to stay in hotels on rainy days when coming to Hue. For example, in mid-October 2023, Hue entered a period of heavy rain, we still met a group of German tourists at Thuy Bieu eco-tourism area. The tour guide and the travel agency had to discuss with the guests, adjust a series of tourist experiences, including cycling, walking or dragon boating to see the Perfume River, which had to be changed. Tour guide Hoang Dung shared: “The safety of tourists is the number one priority. In unfavorable weather conditions, tourist activities that can cause unsafety for tourists must be temporarily suspended and changed accordingly. Just one small problem can have many consequences.”

The local tourism industry in particular, and Vietnam in general, are all aiming to build a safe, friendly and attractive tourism environment. During the rainy season, the tourism industry cannot stop operating but must also adjust plans to ensure the dual goal of both developing tourism and ensuring the safety of visitors. Ms. Duong Thi Cong Ly, Vice President of the Provincial Tourism Association, Director of Hanoi Tourism Joint Stock Company - Hue Branch, said that based on the tour booking schedule of visitors and the weather situation, travel agencies change plans to adapt to the rain and floods, with agreement with visitors. In the face of heavy rain, depending on the tour program and tourist destinations, travel agencies change the time, change the tour, move to another destination that is not affected or shorten the program. In case the visitor does not agree, the travel agency must refund the visitor. Absolutely do not disregard the danger and take visitors on a previous plan.

Synchronize multiple solutions

Regarding the issue of tourist safety and management of tourist destinations, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently issued Document No. 4584/BVHTTDL-DLQGVN to the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities requesting to strengthen the management of destinations. Notably, the Ministry requested that localities conduct reviews, warnings, and have plans to ensure the safety of tourists at tourist areas and destinations, especially during the rainy and stormy season and unusual weather conditions.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, affirmed that in addition to the information channels to receive and support tourists, before the rainy and stormy seasons, the Department of Tourism proactively strengthens the Department's Command Board for Natural Disaster Prevention, Search and Rescue. The Command Board will assign the board of directors, specialized departments and tourist support departments to be responsible for monitoring and supporting travel businesses and tourists; regularly monitor the province's announcements and telegrams on natural disaster prevention, search and rescue to send to businesses through many channels.

When there are storms and floods, the Department of Tourism will send urgent documents to all tourism businesses in the area; emphasizing the issue of ensuring safety for tourists. Accommodation businesses also prepare a "5 on-site" plan, coordinate with travel businesses to inform tourists about the weather. In addition, the Department of Tourism coordinates with the police force and related units to strengthen a number of measures to ensure safety for tourists.

In addition to safety solutions at destinations, warning signs and barriers in areas at risk of insecurity, it is also necessary to synchronize many propaganda solutions to raise awareness of people and tourists when traveling, avoiding cases of ignoring warnings and still "risking" to experience tourist destinations that are potentially dangerous.

Article and photos: HUU PHUC