Quang Ninh Province clamps down on shady tourism businesses

News in Asia
Quang Ninh Province clamps down on shady tourism businesses

The People’s Party in Quang Ninh Province says it has warned tour operators and souvenir shops it is clamping down on scams. The People’s Party secretary last week issued a warning that authorities would be handing down harsh penalties to agencies or shops found to have cheated tourists.

Nguyen Van Doc said the popular northern Vietnam province wanted to generate favourable experiences for all visitors, including those from China, and all nefarious practices needed to be stopped immediately. The secretary said all violators faced heavy fines and would lose their operational licences.

Media sources in Quang Ninh and Halong Bay say the crackdown has already begun and in the past six weeks or so four travel agencies have been shut down for contravening guidelines. The allegations of misbehaviour centre on secret collaborations between tour agencies and souvenir outlets.

Authorities say tour operators sell packages at cost, but take tourists to their partner shops where they are significantly overcharged when buying souvenirs. 12GO ASIA notes that Thailand has already cracked on similar scams which were called zero-dollar tours. The name refers to the fact organisers do not make any money from the actual tour prices.

Source

News

New implementation rules in Kyoto, Japan: what you need to know?

Kyoto is implementing new regulations for tourists, specifically in its geisha district, Gion. Some private alleys will be off-limits to visitors, marked with bilingual signs and enforced fines of 10,000 yen ($67.97) for non-compliance. 

12 March 2024

Peru reveals new plans for Machu Picchu ticket sales process

The Peruvian government has reversed its decision to privatize ticket sales for Machu Picchu following protests that blocked access to the site. Minister of Culture Leslie Urteaga, after meeting with local officials, decided to abandon plans to outsource ticket sales to a private company. 

22 February 2024

Thai AirAsia Expands Its Reach with New Routes to Shanghai and Kaohsiung

Thai AirAsia has broadened its route network with the introduction of new services to both Shanghai and Kaohsiung. The low-cost carrier (LCC) will operate five direct flights weekly between Don Mueang (DMK) and Shanghai (PVG), and four flights per week between DMK and Kaohsiung (KHH).

07 February 2024