On October 6, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism issued an urgent directive to strengthen security and safety for visitors, emphasizing the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent potential risks.

This move follows the directive of Vice Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung, aimed at promoting tourism development and contributing to economic growth.

The Department of Tourism, in coordination with the city’s police, is implementing several key measures. Among them is the enhancement of the “Emergency Security Reporting App,” designed to promptly record and respond to reports from residents and visitors - especially international tourists - regarding safety and public order incidents.

At the same time, local authorities at the ward and district levels have been instructed to expand public awareness campaigns on safety risks and preventive measures, particularly for tourists engaging in adventure or high-risk activities. These alerts will be shared through digital platforms and AI-powered applications.

To restore order in major tourist zones, the department requested that police forces and volunteer youth units intensify patrols and crack down on violations. The city police have directed local units to increase inspections and enforcement against illegal activities affecting visitors, including aggressive street vendors, overcharging, scams, and harassment.

Volunteer youth teams will also play an important role by deploying tourism order officers in key locations.

Notably, these officers will patrol to detect, prevent, and arrest individuals caught committing offenses such as physical assault, theft, or pickpocketing against tourists, before handing them over to local police. They are also tasked with preventing street hawkers from disturbing visitors.

The Department of Tourism emphasized shared responsibility among authorities, businesses, and communities to improve the overall tourism environment.

Local administrations must strictly handle violations such as price manipulation, tourist scams, commercial fraud, and unauthorized tour operations.

Meanwhile, tourism service providers are required to publicly list prices, ensure accurate billing, and guarantee safety for travelers, especially in activities that may pose physical risks.

Quoc Ngoc