There is no such thing as 'price gouging' in Phu Quoc

On July 7, during the question-and-answer session at the 17th session of the Kien Giang Provincial People's Council, term X, 2021-2026, voters continued to be interested in the development of Phu Quoc tourism, as well as negative information about prices and services in this island city on the occasion of the April 30 holiday, which has affected the image of local tourism.

Giám đốc Sở Du lịch Kiên Giang: Không có chuyện ‘chặt chém’ tại Phú Quốc - Ảnh 1. — Hoang Hon Town, one of the tourist destinations chosen by many visitors when coming to Phu Quoc

Regarding this issue, Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Director of Kien Giang Department of Tourism, said that the discussion on social networks before, during and after the April 30 - May 1 holiday about "rip-offs", sky-high prices... was only one-sided information, without verification, without specific addresses, and only a small number, so it could not represent the general price level of food and drink in Phu Quoc. At that time, the provincial and local authorities had not yet received information from tourists reporting that there were service businesses in Phu Quoc selling at high prices, "ripping off" tourists.

Regarding the price of goods, seafood in Phu Quoc is higher than on the mainland because the source of seafood and raw materials in Phu Quoc is somewhat limited, having to be imported from the mainland to meet the demand during the holidays. The peak tourist season causes costs to arise, especially high rental costs, wages paid to workers during the holidays are 2-3 times higher than normal days; advertising costs, commissions for partners sending guests... This leads to higher service prices than elsewhere, but there is no "rip-off" because the prices are listed, tourists can choose according to their financial capacity.

Upon receiving feedback on social networks, Kien Giang Department of Tourism established an interdisciplinary team with Phu Quoc City to inspect and examine compliance with legal regulations on tourism service business, especially price registration, price posting, ensuring product and service quality... throughout Phu Quoc.

"We have also called on the business community, organizations and individuals providing tourist services to cooperate, research and calculate the restructuring of service prices for tourists based on comparing prices with those of major tourist centers in the country and abroad to have the most suitable price. The Department of Tourism has also coordinated with Phu Quoc City to organize the appraisal and grant of signs meeting tourist service standards for tourist service establishments (1 dining establishment, 4 shopping establishments) for tourists to identify," Mr. Bui Quoc Thai added.

Currently, Kien Giang Department of Tourism is continuing to mobilize businesses providing food, shopping, entertainment, sports , health care and other related services in the province to participate in granting signs, then conduct appraisal according to regulations. At the same time, tourists are encouraged to register for Phu Quoc tours through official travel companies (with clear travel service business licenses)...

Source link