Amended Capital Law to boost local tourism potentials

The official made the assessment in an interview following the National Assembly's passage of the amended Capital Law at the end of June.

 Benefits for local tourism sector

The amended Capital Law consists of seven chapters and 54 articles, which is a huge change from the 2012 Capital Law. It provides a profound basis for the capital to further develop.

The law provides the legal basis for the local authorities to improve state management in all areas and facilitates the city's seeking of private funding to support socio-economic development.

Articles 21, 39, 41 and 43 of the amended Capital Law provide an extraordinary mechanism for Ha Noi's cultural, sports and tourism sector. They prove the drafters' strong will to make the tourism sector the spearhead of the local economy.

The law specifically states that resources for cultural development and preservation will be given priority and that resources should be used to their fullest potential in order to promote cultural features and draw tourists, increase trade, raise locals' standards of living, and safeguard local craft villages.

The influences of amended Capital Law on local tourism sector

According to the amended Capital Law, historical relics and heritage sites are the key to preserving and promoting cultural values. Ha Noi has many great places, such as the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace Complex, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Temple of Literature.

These sites have all been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The law also allows Ha Noi authorities to build a cultural industry center on the Red River islet and other areas suitable for cultural spaces.

Under the amended law, which lays the groundwork for the tourism sector, government agencies and tour operators can now explore new itineraries and routes that showcase Ha Noi's distinctive features and attract more domestic and international visitors to the city.

Clause B of Article 7 allows the operator of a commercial and cultural center/area to create sources of revenue and set the price to cover the operation, giving businesses more autonomy in making tourism investments.

Such provisions show that the amended Capital Law establishes a sound legal framework for Ha Noi to explore and exploit cultural values and resources.

Put the new law into reality

The Deputy Chairman proposed the local authorities including the Ha Noi Department of Tourism submit to the municipal People's Committee policies that meet the demand of people and travel companies and facilitate them to open new tours and new travel routes.

The Covid-19 pandemic has really taken a heavy toll on the local business community. Therefore, he expects the government to ease the credit conditions for local firms so that their businesses can recover. To do this, the authorities should have a dialogue with businesses and listen to them.

In addition, the city and local authorities should set the direction for tour operators to open new tour routes to explore Ha Noi's cultural features. As a representative of tour operators, I expect more events from the Department of Tourism to promote Ha Noi tourism in international markets./.