Vietnam Reassures Tour Guides on Language Regulations

Post by : Shakul

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam has reiterated the current language requirements for international tour guide licenses, particularly for guides specializing in Chinese. This assurance comes in response to worries about the impending changes to the Chinese HSK language examination system, which could potentially influence licensing criteria in the country.

The concern was raised by Mr. Nguyen Nhat Giau, a domestic tour guide aiming to transition to an international license focusing on Chinese-speaking tourism. He inquired whether the existing Chinese language prerequisites would stay applicable after the transition from version 2.0 to 3.0 of the HSK examination.

Currently, applicants for international tour guide licenses in Chinese must comply with standards laid out in Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BVHTTDL issued by the ministry. Under current guidelines, candidates need to have Chinese language credentials equivalent to HSK Level 4 and Intermediate HSK of the existing HSK 2.0 framework.

The concern arose due to the anticipated significant changes in the HSK exam structure, where proficiency levels will expand from six to nine in the updated HSK 3.0. This has prompted discussions among tourism professionals about the possibility of stricter requirements for international tour guides in Vietnam.

In light of these concerns, the Ministry confirmed that all existing rules are still in effect and will not change at this moment. Officials clarified that the HSK 3.0 examination has not been formally adopted in Vietnam yet. Thus, all new applicants or those renewing their international tour guide licenses should adhere to the requirements specified in Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BVHTTDL until any formal announcements are made by relevant authorities.

Furthermore, the ministry pointed out that these regulations stem from amendments to Circulars No. 06/2017/TT-BVHTTDL and No. 13/2019/TT-BVHTTDL, which furnish detailed guidance on executing numerous articles of Vietnam’s Tourism Law. These measures ensure that international guides possess adequate foreign language skills to communicate effectively with international tourists and deliver professional tourism services.

Experts in the tourism field argue that adhering to clear language qualifications is crucial for enhancing the quality of Vietnam’s tourism sector, particularly as the nation seeks to draw greater numbers of international visitors, especially from China. Chinese tourists represent one of the most substantial groups among international travelers to Vietnam, underscoring the importance of Chinese-speaking tour guides.

Officials assured that any forthcoming changes associated with the HSK 3.0 system and tour guide licensing will be officially communicated via governmental platforms once new regulations are established. Until such announcements, tourism professionals should continue preparations under the existing recognized standards.

The ministry’s clarification aims to reassure the thousands of tourism workers and guides gearing up for international tour guide licensing examinations. The government remains dedicated to ensuring transparency and consistency in tourism licensing processes while fostering the professional growth of Vietnam’s tourism workforce in alignment with global standards.

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