On February 14, the Vietnam National Tourism Administration sent document No. 267 to the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism requesting clarification of information related to Taiwanese (Chinese) tourists traveling to Phu Quoc.
Accordingly, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism received information reflecting that on February 9, 2024, a Vietnamese travel service business welcomed a group of Taiwanese tourists of nearly 300 people participating in a tour program in Phu Quoc, Kien Giang province. During the process of serving the group, this company requested the group to pay an additional amount of 720 USD/person to continue providing tourism services or stop serving the group's tour.
To ensure the rights of tourists and avoid false information about the incident, which negatively affects the image of Vietnam's tourist destinations, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism requests the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism to check and clarify information about the above incident and provide official information to the media and report to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism as soon as possible.
At the same time, continue to strengthen the management of travel businesses and tourist destinations in the area.
Previously, as reported by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Director of Kien Giang Department of Tourism confirmed that nearly 300 Taiwanese (Chinese) tourists encountered unexpected incidents while visiting Phu Quoc during the Lunar New Year of Giap Thin in 2024.
Specifically, the group of 292 tourists booked tour packages with the Taipei-based company "We Love Tour". According to the schedule, the group of tourists visited Phu Quoc from February 10 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) to February 14. However, upon arriving in Phu Quoc, the group was informed by the local travel company, WInnER Vietnam International Travel Co., Ltd., that each individual would have to pay an additional 720 USD to continue their journey. Those who could not pay would have to continue their trip on their own or return to Taiwan.
The unusual incident originated from the Taiwanese company's promise to transfer all travel expenses and payments of the Taiwanese delegation before starting the tour in Vietnam, but the Vietnamese company only received less than 10% of the amount.
WInnER International Travel Vietnam Co., Ltd. said it had no other choice because it could not bear further financial losses because the Taiwanese travel agency had not transferred enough money to the Vietnamese side since January.
Faced with this situation, the local tourism industry announced it would step in and support tourists to return to Taiwan on schedule.
Mr. Bui Quoc Thai said that Kien Giang Department of Tourism has coordinated with relevant units to conduct inspections and take further action, so as not to affect the image of Phu Quoc tourism.
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