Hanoi boosts tourism compliance through focused legal training for travel firms

THE HANOI TIMES — More than 200 representatives from travel companies and the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club joined a legal training session on December 3 as tourism authorities warned that many businesses are still struggling to comply with rapidly changing regulations.

The compliance gaps were given by a report presented at the event, held by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, which showed that Hanoi now manages 2,500 licensed travel companies and 15,100 certified tour guides, with nearly 10,000 active workers shaping the city’s tourism sector.

Recent inspections found significant violations across the industry, prompting the Hanoi Department of Tourism to intensify legal training efforts.

Vuong Thi Thu Hien, Head of the Tax Department at the Academy of Finance, said travel companies must comply with all tax requirements, including electronic declarations, electronic payments and preferential policies related to tourism investment.

She said many violations stem from businesses’ incomplete understanding of tax procedures.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, Director of ATA Global Law Firm, pointed out that companies must pay close attention to when meeting tour-operator licensing conditions and handling administrative violations.

"Real cases presented at the conference showed that new tourism business models face risks due to incomplete understanding of rules on service promotion, contract signing and payment documentation," said Anh.

Digital transformation drew strong interest during the discussion. Many delegates asked for clearer guidance on applying technology in marketing, promotion, electronic payments and e-commerce.

They said inconsistent digital workflows prevent companies from using online platforms effectively even though the market requires it.

The organizers designed the training to encourage two-way exchanges so businesses could raise concerns and receive timely support.

Assessing the session, Truong Quoc Hung, Chairman of the Hanoi UNESCO Travel Club, said the content is highly practical because every new rule affects daily operations.

“Getting answers immediately helps companies resolve issues and strengthens their confidence in service delivery,” he said.

According to Nguyen Xuan Thach, Chief of Office at the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the department organized all 2025 conferences efficiently and focused on the most essential content for businesses.

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Tourism Authority, specialized departments and leaders from 126 communes and wards.

The conferences gathered all lecturers to have at least 10 years of experience in tourism, taxation, administrative reform, environment and digital transformation to ensure strong expertise and credibility.

Thach said that beyond legal dissemination, the training seeks to help businesses understand state management requirements, standardize internal processes and stay proactive as the tourism market evolves.

The plan emphasizes stronger coordination among agencies to solve difficulties and improve services for residents, visitors and businesses, he said.

“The legal system governing tourism is evolving rapidly with higher standards. It’s understandable that businesses may find it challenging to keep up,” said Thach

This conference improves clarity, reduces legal risks and supports business growth.”

Many travel companies expressed hope that annual, practical and hands-on training will help them better understand legal requirements, improve risk management and operate more sustainably in an increasingly competitive market.

They said updated knowledge from the program will create a strong foundation to enhance competitiveness, maintain professionalism and contribute to a safe and civilized tourism environment in Hanoi.