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On the afternoon of November 14th, the People's Committee of Phu Quoc City organized a conference on civilized behavior in transportation, food and beverage services, and communication with tourists visiting Phu Quoc City.
Strict measures will be taken against those who assist or extort money from tourists.
Twelve businesses, travel agencies, and transportation companies in Phu Quoc City discussed ways to stimulate tourism, including: civilized behavior; how to pay commissions to drivers; service prices; environmental pollution issues; and especially the persistent problem of touting at ferry terminals and night markets in Phu Quoc...
Tourism businesses hope that Phu Quoc will have its own unique festivals and tourism products that reflect the distinct local culture.
Ms. Lam Kim Phuong, director of Vietravel Phu Quoc branch, said that Phu Quoc tourism still has some limitations, especially the problem of touting at Phu Quoc night market. This makes tourists very hesitant to visit this location for sightseeing and dining.
"We believe the local authorities need to step in and address this issue to create a positive image for tourists visiting and enjoying themselves here," Ms. Phuong said.
Resorts in Phu Quoc
Meanwhile, Mr. Truong Cong Tam - chairman of the Professional Tour Guide Association of Phu Quoc City - said that in some places, the commission paid to tour guides and drivers is as high as 20-35%; some food and beverage establishments have listed prices, but the prices of those items are unreasonably high, and such business practices will affect the image of Phu Quoc tourism.
Local authorities need to have inspection teams to closely monitor local tour guides. Any unit or individual found to be in violation will be severely punished. For tour guides who collude with or extort money from tourists, the local authorities will revoke their licenses.
"Strict penalties will serve as a warning to many people. Tour guides and drivers will not dare to do wrong. Tourists coming to Phu Quoc will feel safe and welcome," Mr. Tam added.
Phu Quoc will check the actual prices of goods sold to tourists.
Mr. Huynh Thanh Minh, head of the Economic Department of Phu Quoc City, said that from July 2022 to the present, the locality has received 10 phone calls from tourists complaining about the behavior of tourism businesses towards customers.
Local authorities hope that tourism and travel service businesses and related units will establish codes of conduct that promote civilized behavior and create a positive impression on tourists. Tour guides and drivers, in particular, should not collude with tourists to illegally extort money.
According to Mr. Minh, the local authorities will strengthen coordination with the People's Committees of communes and wards to check prices and protect tourists. At the ferry terminal and airport, drivers need to behave courteously towards passengers.
Local authorities will inspect the true value of goods served to tourists. Food and beverage services must display prices and sell at the listed prices. Tourists who encounter overcharging can report it via the hotline posted on the Phu Quoc City People's Committee's information portal for timely assistance.
Phu Quoc sunset
Mr. Doan Van Tien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc City, said that during the recent April 30th to September 2nd holidays, the number of tourists visiting Phu Quoc decreased significantly.
Tourism in Phu Quoc is gradually recovering. The number of international tourists visiting Phu Quoc is also increasing. In recent days, approximately 24,000 international and domestic tourists have visited Phu Quoc; over 20,000 have stayed on the island.
The People's Committee of Phu Quoc City has assigned the Economic Department to take the lead in coordinating with relevant departments to organize meetings twice a year to listen to the opinions of businesses, and together find solutions to overcome difficulties and develop local tourism.
"Businesses should sit down together, share a common vision, and then take action to create unique tourism products, contributing to the sustainable development of Phu Quoc tourism. The local authorities will strictly address existing issues such as touting and overcharging tourists to ensure that visitors can feel secure coming to Phu Quoc for recreation," Mr. Tien said.
The 8Wonder Winter Festival, featuring the legendary band Maroon 5 and six famous Vietnamese artists, will take place on December 16th at Phu Quoc United Center.
This is the centerpiece event in the "festival of festivals" Wake Up Festival, a non-stop, vibrant series of events running from December 9th to January 7th, 2024 in the north of the island, featuring the Wake Up New Year countdown concert on December 31st at the Grand World stage, along with hundreds of shows and entertainment activities throughout the day and night, such as the Gondola race, the Copenhagen food festival and fair, Christmas party, New Year's party, Wake Up Santa parade, and more.
