On October 28, at a meeting with leaders of Hoi An, Hoi An Tay and Hoi An Dong wards and Tan Hiep Commune, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-chairwoman of the Danang People's Committee, called on the localities to publicise hotline numbers for receiving reports and handling complaints from tourists and residents within 24 hours of receipt.
Foreign visitors ride cyclo rickshaws through Hoi An ancient town (Photo: Cong Binh).
Danang authorities acknowledged local efforts to manage and develop tourism, preserve cultural heritage, protect the tourism environment, maintain urban order and promote socio-economic development. However, they noted that several shortcomings remained.
To attract tourists to Hoi An sustainably, the city leadership asked the local administrations to research and develop tourism products with culture and heritage at their core.
“Reposition core products and develop new offerings with cultural stories and experiences to improve quality and meet increasingly high expectations amid intensifying competition between destinations,” Thi said.
On tourism management, the vice-chairwoman called on local authorities and relevant agencies to step up inspections and patrols in crowded areas, pedestrian streets, tourist attractions and public spaces. They were instructed to promptly detect and address violations involving public security, traffic safety and the illegal occupation of roads and pavements.
Particular attention should be paid to people who harass, pressure or compete aggressively for tourists, as well as street vending and disguised begging in Hoi An Ancient Town, the Bay Mau coconut forest and other tourist attractions.
Authorities were also asked to review and crack down on unauthorised parking operations and illegal charges. Bars and pubs that breach noise standards after 10 pm should face sound-level checks and penalties to ensure a civilised, safe and welcoming tourism environment.
Danang City leaders have ordered the publication of a hotline to receive and handle complaints from tourists visiting Hoi An ancient town (Photo: Cong Binh).
In addition to publishing hotline numbers, ward and commune administrations were asked to keep tourists and residents informed of the progress of their complaints and report the outcomes. Complicated cases beyond their authority should be promptly referred to higher-level agencies with recommendations for action.
Thi also directed relevant departments and agencies to conduct comprehensive inspections of tourism-related businesses across the area, focusing on price displays, the origin of goods and products, and food safety standards and requirements.
