During his recent interview with reporter Thu Ha from the DA NANG Newspaper, the Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, Mr Tran Chi Cuong, remarked that the local tourism sector has seen rapid growth.  Last year, the number of international visitor arrivals hit over 1 million, the highest level ever recorded in Da Nang. 

He added that China and South Korea are ranked in first and second places respectively amongst the total of international tourists arriving in the city.  This has caused a severe shortage of tour guides for foreigners, and brought difficulties in managing them.

Deputy Director Cuong (Photo: cadn.com.vn)

Deputy Director Cuong underlined that his department will increase its checks and inspections of Chinese and South Korean individuals and travel agencies suspected of conducting illegal tourism activities in the city.  Stricter penalties will be imposed on any local Vietnamese travel agencies, hotels, and tour guides for colluding with the city-based foreign tourism companies to carry out illegal tourism activities.

The focus will be on developing effective management of tour guides and foreigners in the city, and setting up a support office for local tour guides.  Importance will be attached to raising awareness amongst local travel agencies, hotels and tour guides of the need to comply with the national regulations about tourism activities.