Lam Dong and the goal of becoming a leading destination for adventure tourism

The trend of adventure tourism is increasingly popular, the development and application of the draft National Standard TCVN xxxx:2025 - Adventure tourism: Terms and definitions chaired by the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism (VICAST), taking place in Lam Dong is not only a strategic step but also opens up a direction for sustainable development, ensuring optimal safety for tourists.

Beautiful view from above at the highropes playing area, where visitors can experience thrills while immersing themselves in the fresh nature of Lam Dong

Stunning views from above at the highropes area, where visitors can experience thrills while immersing themselves in the fresh nature of Lam Dong.

This system of standards creates a clear legal corridor, contributing to improving the capacity to operate unique adventure tourism products such as ziplining at Datanla Waterfall, paragliding at Da Phu Hill, kayaking on Tuyen Lam Lake, or trekking at Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park and Ta Nang - Phan Dung route - which is known as the most beautiful and challenging trekking route in Vietnam.

The foundation for safety and sustainable development

Draft TCVN xxxx:2025 - equivalent to the international standard ISO 3163:2022 - stipulates basic terms such as: "abseiling", "canyoneering", "accident" and important definitions of "adventure tourism activities" and "adventure tourism service providers". The draft emphasizes the specificity of risks in this type of tourism, while also requiring strict and professional management as a prerequisite to ensure safety and maintain the reputation of the destination. The new standard is also closely linked to the issued TCVN sets including: TCVN 12592 on safety management; TCVN 12593 on tour guide competence; and TCVN 12594 on providing information to participants...

This system of standards creates a clear legal corridor, contributing to improving the capacity to operate unique adventure tourism products such as: ziplining over waterfalls at Datanla waterfall, paragliding at Da Phu hill, kayaking on Tuyen Lam lake, or trekking at Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park and Ta Nang - Phan Dung route - which is known as the most beautiful and challenging trekking route in Vietnam.

At the Southern symposium organized by VICAST in Da Lat, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong - Director of the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism affirmed: "Standardization not only enhances professionalism but also contributes to affirming the brand of Vietnamese adventure tourism in the international arena. Lam Dong can absolutely become an attractive destination, attracting visitors from Europe and the US - markets with high demands on safety standards and unique experiences".

Tourists experience ziplining at Datanla waterfall

Government accompanies, businesses are proactive

Lam Dong possesses outstanding potential with more than 10 licensed units to organize diverse adventure tourism activities, from zipline, slide car at Datanla waterfall to trekking at Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, where there is a more than 1,300-year-old po mu tree and more than 300 endemic bird species. Tours to conquer Bidoup peak (2,287 m) or Thien Thai waterfall (3.5 km) not only bring unique experiences of exploring nature but also contribute to preserving the diverse ecosystem of Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. Mr. Ton Thien An - Director of Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park shared: "The steep terrain, especially the 45-degree section from K'long K'lanh to Bidoup peak, requires tour guides to have survival skills, first aid and environmental knowledge according to TCVN 12593 standard on tour guide capacity".

Local businesses have actively contributed ideas to complete the draft TCVN xxxx:2025. Mr. Nguyen Tu Anh - Director of Nexus Media Joint Stock Company emphasized: "Products combining adventure tourism with indigenous culture such as experiencing gongs on Lang Biang peak or trekking journey Ta Nang - Phan Dung are creating special attraction. However, for sustainable development, it is necessary to establish a strict equipment inspection process and train professional tour guides, and at the same time support small businesses to optimize costs."

View of the workshop organized by the Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism (VICAST) in Da Lat

View of the workshop organized by the Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism (VICAST) in Da Lat.

In fact, Lam Dong currently has more than 10 licensed units to organize adventure tours, attracting millions of visitors each year. Business representatives assessed that the development and application of TCVN xxxx:2025 is very necessary, in line with the development trend, but there needs to be a clear roadmap and support mechanism, especially for small and medium enterprises. They also proposed inviting experts from Quang Tri - a leading locality in trekking and waterfall crossing - to share their experiences through online seminars, helping local businesses approach the standards in a practical and effective way.

On the state management side, Ms. Nguyen Lan Ngoc - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong said: "In the face of climate change increasing risks in adventure activities, standardization according to TCVN xxxx:2025 helps ensure that tour guides are well-trained, provide full information on risks, thereby minimizing incidents and improving the experience for tourists". In recent years, Lam Dong has successfully organized many trail running, cycling, rowing and sports events associated with tourism promotion. She emphasized: "In the future, Lam Dong will create favorable conditions for businesses to research, invest and develop new tourism products. Standardizing regulations and terminology will be an important tool to ensure quality, minimize risks and enhance the image of the destination".

The development and application of national standards for adventure tourism is not only a necessary step forward but also affirms Lam Dong's determination to develop professional, safe and sustainable tourism. With the support of businesses, the initiative of the government and support from central agencies, Lam Dong has every opportunity to become a leading destination for adventure tourism in Vietnam and the region.

Draft Standard TCVN xxxx:2025 marks an important turning point to help Lam Dong affirm its position as the center of adventure tourism in Vietnam. The harmonious combination of rich nature and professional management will turn "adventurous" experiences into safe and attractive ones, contributing to realizing the goal of welcoming 18 - 20 million international visitors by 2025.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/lam-dong-va-muc-tieu-tro-thanh-diem-den-hang-dau-cua-du-lich-mao-hiem-390345.html