The move comes in response to a directive from the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to tighten control over tourism activities.
According to the department, the peak summer season has seen robust growth in both the scale and quality of tourism, with more accommodation options, performances, fireworks displays, and a wider range of sightseeing and visitor experiences.
A VND 400,000 (USD 16) budget meal at a restaurant in Halong that sparked controversy
However, feedback from tourists and media outlets indicates that some issues continue to undermine the province’s tourism environment.
To step up the tourism management, Bai Chay Ward on July 8 launched an inter-agency team to inspect local tourism activities.
The inspection team will focus on key aspects of tourism service businesses operating in the area, including legal compliance, market management, price listing, counterfeit goods, tourist harassment, public space encroachment, food safety, fire prevention, and security.
The team is also tasked with raising awareness, guiding businesses on legal compliance, and requesting organisations and individuals to sign commitments to uphold a healthy tourism environment.
The Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism called on the local police to help remove fake websites and fanpages impersonating travel firms to scam tourists, and to take legal action against offenders.
Tourists in Quang Ninh can report issues by calling the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s hotline at 0913.265.009.
Notable cases include a VND 400,000 budget meal that sparked controversy, five people charged VND 810,000 for noodles with a driver allegedly getting a commission, and eight diners paying nearly VND 6 million at a seafood spot.
Similarly, a beach bar in Bai Chay Ward drew public attention and frustration after being accused of charging an extra 20-30 per cent service fee.