VietNamNet Bridge – This directory enquiries will provide information and answer questions of domestic and foreign visitors about tourism and travel security in the city for 24/7.

HCM City Vice Chairman Le Manh Ha has allowed the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the relevant agencies to operate the tourist information directory enquiries (number 1087) on a trial basis for two months.

Calling 1087, tourists will be supplied with information and answers for their questions about tourism in HCM City. The line is open 24/7, using Vietnamese and English.

The line also provides information on travel security (in coordination with the hot line of the mobile police,) information on tourism policy, tourism products, business travel, etc.

According to the HCM City Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism, this will be also an effective tool for implementing tourism promotion in the city.

The city government has also required the Department of Information and Communications in collaboration with relevant agencies to develop information systems and travel information stations throughout the country.

Robbery and fraud against tourists has been on the rise in HCM City, affecting tourism and the image of the city. According to reports from 10 hotels and 10 major tour operators in the city, there were 255 robberies against foreign visitors in 2012.

The local Department of Foreign Affairs received 222 complaints of foreigners on robbery and home burglaries while HCM City police recorded 117 cases related to foreigners, mainly robbery in 2012.

Phuong Dong