Vietnam lawmakers debate changes to seven culture, sport and tourism laws
Proposals include stronger protections for tour guides, tighter controls on films shown to children online and simpler administrative procedures.
Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly considered draft amendments to seven laws during its second session on November 10. The proposals cover tourism, sport, libraries, cinema, heritage, advertising and the press, with the aim of streamlining administration and addressing implementation problems.
Tour guide protections were among the issues raised. Ho Chi Minh City deputy Vo Ngoc Thanh Truc backed electronic guide cards but sought safeguards for more than 49,000 guides. She proposed clearer rules on guiding contracts so that guides in paid employment under management and supervision receive social insurance coverage.
Tuyen Quang deputy Ly Thi Lan proposed allowing guides whose cards were withdrawn for failing professional requirements to regain them once they qualify again, without a mandatory 12-month wait. She also sought guaranteed state funding for films serving political tasks at national, ministerial and local levels.
On heritage, Lang Son deputy Nguyen Dang An urged a clearer distinction between specialist assessments and investment and construction procedures to prevent duplicate appraisals. He also proposed that provincial tourism authorities lead assessments of applications for provincial tourist-area recognition.
Vinh Long deputy Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa called for stronger age restrictions on films that digital platforms recommend or play automatically. Another Vinh Long deputy, Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, sought greater investment in school sports facilities and closer cooperation between families and schools.
Ho Chi Minh City deputy Nguyen Vu Trung proposed a single online submission channel for advertising procedures, with agencies exchanging data internally. He also sought clearer responsibility for outdoor advertising safety and maintenance, alongside restrictions on large electronic screens’ brightness and operating hours.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh said the draft prioritises urgent problems and decentralisation. Broader changes would require further reviews and impact assessments, while a comprehensive revision of the Tourism Law is expected in 2027.
