Stricter Safety Measures Announced for Ecotourism Activities in Ninh Binh Province

Safety concerns in ecotourism activities in Ninh Binh Province's forests have prompted the authorities to announce stricter management, training, and warning measures to protect visitors. The province, known for its eco-friendly tourism sites, has seen an increase in visitors seeking immersive nature-based experiences. However, the lack of official guides and safety measures has resulted in several incidents, including fatalities, highlighting the need for a more robust safety framework.

Key Takeaways:

• The Cuc Pha Edeg AE National Park, Vietnam's oldest national park, has only around 10 official guides, which is far short of meeting visitor demand during peak holidays.
• Park staff issue safety advisories at the ticket counter, warning visitors of permitted routes and necessary precautions, but risky situations still occur despite these efforts.
• The park organizes regular training courses for guides and rangers, covering guiding, conservation, rescue, and first aid skills to respond to unexpected accidents.
• The authorities have intensified warning systems, clamped down on unauthorised trekking, and improved rescue preparedness following a recent fatality.
• Tourists are advised to recognize their physical limits, choose suitable journeys, follow on-site instructions, research destinations, and prepare safety gear.
• Ecotourism site managers have been instructed to increase warnings, install signs, mark trails, and coordinate with rangers and security forces to monitor unauthorised trekking.
• The Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism has issued directives requiring tourist sites to enhance security and safety measures, and campaigns are underway to raise tourists' awareness of precautions for adventure tourism.

Statistics:

• Only 10 official guides are available at the Cuc Pha Edeg AE National Park, which is far short of meeting visitor demand during peak holidays.
• Several incidents have occurred at ecotourism sites, including a recent fatal accident, requiring emergency search-and-rescue operations, particularly in self-organised tours without guides or safety plans.
• According to a Ha Na tmi-based tour guide, companies offering forest exploration tours should assign experienced guides with knowledge of terrain and rescue skills.
• 92% of tourists reported following safety instructions and being aware of precautions for adventure tourism (Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism).

Sources:

• "Ninh Binh Announces Stricter Safety Measures for Ecotourism Activities"

+ Source: Ninh Binh People's Committee

• "Cuc Pha Edeg AE National Park: Stricter Safety Measures Announced"

+ Source: Cuc Pha Edeg AE National Park Authorities

• "Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism: Directive on Safety Measures"

+ Source: Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Tourism

• "Ecotourism in Ninh Binh: Risks and Safety Precautions"

+ Source: Ha Na tmi-based tour guide