Tubing in Vang Vieng, Laos shut down

Vang Vieng, a backpacker hotspot for tubing and river fun in Laos, has been shut down due to the number of deaths.
Tubing in Laos runs aground

In 2011 at least 20 unconfirmed deaths had been reported by worldwide news publications, while seven people - including two Australians - had died in 2012 before the government crackdown.

Here’s a video from before the closure.

Officials pulled down all of the zip lines, slides, rope swings, and most importantly, destroyed all of the little wooden bars that had been constructed along the river. You can still float down the river in a tube, but that is the only activity you will find on the 4km stretch of water now. No bars, no drinking, no extracurricular activities.

The locals are upset because tourism was good business for them, and it has suddenly dried up. The backpackers are upset because they lost a fun hotspot. The government, on the other hand, is happy because they have taken steps to prevent further injuries or deaths.

Is this closure an unfortunate loss of fun or a positive increase in safety?

Whose responsibility do you think it should be to ensure the safety of the tourists who want to come and party? The people who provide the equipment? The bars who serve the alcohol? The government? The tourists themselves?

Are you and your hostel responsible for your guests’ safety?