The central coastal city of Da Nang will increase the level of scrutiny applied to budget tours in a bid to further develop sustainable tourism services.

Although low-cost tours or the so-called “zero dong” tours have catered to an increasing number of tourists visiting the city in recent years, there is a growing concern about their impact on the local economy.

In a bid to reduce the number of cheap tour operators, Da Nang city is working with relevant agencies to ensure that visitors make proper payments in line with regulations.

The city is now channeling its focus on improving standards for travel agents while simultaneously working to ensure that shopping malls operate in accordance with regulations.

Meanwhile, sustainable tourism products will be monitored to ensure that they continue to attract high-end tourists, generating higher revenues and benefits for the local population.

Da Nang’s tourism sector has grown exponentially, with an average annual growth of 20.06 percent between 2013 and 2017. –VNA