Nguyen Van Tuan, Director General of the VNAT, said that VNAT would classify tourist boats in the same way hotels are classified from one- to five-star standards.

“The VNAT will recognize tourist boats from three-star standard and higher. The provincial government will recognize two-star boats and those of lower quality,” he said.

He said the VNAT has mapped out criteria to classify these boats. However, VNAT needs to work with the Ministry of Communications and Transport in activities to classify the boats because they are operating under rules of the ministry.

“We expect to finish the activity this year to help tourists to select quality boats with convenience and create a competitive environment for boat owners to improve services as well as methods and equipments to protect tourists,” Tuan said.

According to him, the new rule of the VNAT will have an impact on such kinds of tourist boats in Halong Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh, as most tourist boats that accommodate tourists overnight are operating there.

The official estimated that around 460 tourist boats are operating on the bay, and some 100 of them are qualified for star rating.