The problem of 'price gouging' makes the tourism picture ugly

Vietnam's tourism industry has been making strong strides, becoming an attractive destination on the world tourism map. However, besides the constant efforts to improve the quality of services, there are still "stains" that make the tourism picture ugly in the eyes of tourists. One of them is the "ripping off" of tourists, an act that not only causes public outrage but also deeply damages the reputation of the tourism industry.

Tourist's obsession

Recently, a series of cases of "ripping off" tourists have been discovered and handled, but it seems that it is still not enough to deter. For example, recently, Market Management Team No. 1 ( Khanh Hoa Market Management Department) issued a decision to administratively fine Mr. Pham Vu Linh (residing in Nha Trang City, owner of a floating raft on Tri Nguyen Island) 20 million VND for selling 1 kg of boxfish for 3.5 million VND.

The interdisciplinary inspection team of Nha Trang City worked with Mr. Ho Van Tam (black shirt, left cover) - owner of Aroma Beach restaurant on the evening of February 6, 2025. Photo: Duc Thao

Or in February 2025, a seafood restaurant in Nha Trang City was fined more than VND96 million for charging a meal for a Chinese tourist up to VND20 million, with many violations such as not posting prices, advertising in violation of regulations and not having a food safety certificate. This incident not only angered customers but also caused a stir in domestic and international public opinion.

Not only Nha Trang, this situation also occurs in many other tourist destinations, such as in Hanoi, many parking lots arbitrarily raised ticket prices during the Lunar New Year; in Ha Long, a restaurant was fined 6.5 million VND for charging unreasonably high prices and having an uncivilized attitude towards customers.

A tourist's post when encountering a shop selling 1 kg of boxfish for 3.5 million VND. Photo: Social Network

Mr. Nguyen Minh Nhat, an expert in the tourism and service industry, believes that “ripping off” tourists is not only a dishonest business practice but also causes many negative consequences for the tourism industry. This includes the loss of trust from international and domestic tourists. When tourists are “ripped off” or treated in a non-transparent manner, they will carry a bad impression of the Vietnamese tourism industry. Especially in the digital age, negative experiences can easily spread through social networks, causing great damage to the image of Vietnamese tourism in the international arena.

Next is the obstacle to sustainable tourism development. While Vietnam is trying to build the image of a friendly, civilized and safe destination. However, if the "rip-off" problem is not thoroughly handled, this goal will become distant. Tourists come once and then do not return, leading to a decline in international visitors and loss of long-term revenue.

It also causes a loss of tourism revenue. According to tourism statistics, Vietnam welcomes millions of international visitors each year. However, if tourists do not want to return just because of a few "ripping off" businesses, Vietnam could lose a huge source of revenue. More importantly, this also directly affects the livelihoods of millions of workers who depend on tourism.

Need strict sanctions

Ms. Nhu Trang, owner of a seafood restaurant in Nha Trang, shared that to avoid being "ripped off" when going to restaurants and small eateries in tourist spots, customers should look at the menu and specific listed prices in advance. "For places that do not list prices or list prices ambiguously, customers should proactively ask the staff or restaurant owner to avoid ordering less and paying more. Places that do business properly will set prices corresponding to the dishes. Many places intentionally leave prices blank, leaving three zeros, covering the amount in front, or writing the line "according to current prices". When customers ask, the restaurant will tell the price, otherwise it is easy to get "ripped off" - Ms. Trang said.

Nguyen Tuan Thanh, a tour guide, said that business is good and bad everywhere. "When traveling, tourists should consult reputable newspapers, social networks, and travel forums to find restaurants and eateries in the destination to avoid establishments that have been notorious for "overcharging", and at the same time, choose a few reputable places that are highly rated by the online community," Thanh shared.

The tourism industry is developing sustainably day by day, creating a beautiful image in the hearts of tourists. Photo: Hien Mai

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Ha, Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Pleiku City (Gia Lai Province) said that to end the situation of "ripping off" tourists, there needs to be a synchronization in the management and supervision methods. There needs to be a management policy requiring businesses to register and publicly disclose all personal data, addresses, prices and origins of goods... specifically on the tourism website of the province or city. At the same time, inspection, examination and supervision activities should be regularly carried out. If violations are detected, they must be severely punished, have their business licenses revoked, or even close the business and publicly post on tourism websites.

"Ripping off tourists is an offensive act that damages the image of Vietnamese tourism, a friendly and hospitable country. If not corrected soon, these "scars" will become an obsession, hindering the development of the tourism industry. It is time for drastic intervention from authorities, businesses and the community to erase negative images, paving the way for a sustainable and developed tourism industry" - Mr. Ha shared.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism requires localities to direct the Management Boards of tourist areas and attractions, travel agencies, tourist accommodation establishments, and related business units to strengthen self-inspection, supervision, maintain service quality, ensure environmental sanitation, food hygiene and safety, etc. to serve tourists. Business units must strictly comply with regulations on registration and public posting of product prices.

Le Son - Hien Mai

Source: https://congthuong.vn/van-nan-chat-chem-lam-xau-xi-buc-tranh-du-lich-386800.html