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Normally there are two robbers riding a motorbike and robbing walking tourists of their bags or precious items. And such robbers can cause physical injuries as well. “The crime is on the rise, making us worry about our tourists’ safety and the image of Vietnamese tourism,” the source told the Daily on Wednesday.
He said his company had written to the HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposing ways to increase tourist protection.
The HCMC Tourism Association said multiple tour operators and hotels had in the last few months reported many of their guests were attacked by robbers. For example, Huong Sen Hotel on Dong Khoi Street reported four robberies around the hotel.
The association is preparing to submit a formal request to the authorities to take prompt action to protect tourists.
The city’s tourism department said in its review report 2011 that no major progress had been made regarding the enhancement of tourist safety. The measures adopted to protect visitors from harassments by unregistered taxicabs and vendors have failed to produce good results.
If the issue is not tackled well, the city will run the risk of losing its reputation as a safe destination for local and foreign visitors.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recently asked local authorities to make the tourism environment more secure.
HCMC this year has attracted some 3.5 million international visitors, increasing 12.9% over last year. The city’s tourism industry has earned VND49 trillion in revenue, a rise of 19.5% against 2010. The city is looking to welcome 3.78 million foreign visitors next year.
SGT
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