Decisive action is needed
Chairman of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People's Committee (An Giang) Tran Minh Khoa said that in the past time, besides the achievements, it must be frankly admitted that Phu Quoc tourism has faced some "reverse winds". Reflections on canceling room rates at the last minute, price increases during peak seasons... have damaged the image of Pearl Island in the hearts of tourists.
Mr. Khoa said that over the past time, the government has continuously made efforts to review and handle some arising violations. However, if only stopping at "handling incidents", it is not enough. To protect the Phu Quoc brand sustainably, a smart governance mechanism and a spirit of drastic action are needed.
Mr. Khoa informed that Phu Quoc has a Tourism Rapid Response Team and signed a Code of Conduct, marking an important milestone for the tourism industry in general and Phu Quoc tourism in particular, not only talking about determination but also through human actions and specific mechanisms.
The tourism rapid response team receives and classifies information reflected by tourists 24/7. Is present in time at the scene to support and connect to resolve cases related to prices, service quality, security and safety for tourists (ensuring at least 2 people on duty are present when receiving information). Guiding procedures according to the provisions of law, advising on necessary information for tourists; supporting the search for lost items.
Initial first aid for accidents and medical conditions, quickly support, transfer to appropriate treatment facilities. Have forms of recording (in writing or in images) to receive feedback from tourists, explanation documents from related individuals and organizations. Organize patrols by private vehicles during peak hours in tourist-intensive areas...
The multilingual QR code system is a technology bridge, removing language barriers, helping international tourists easily access information and respond to opinions immediately. The Code of Conduct for Tourism (COC) is an honorary commitment of the business community and people to a decent, transparent and civilized business environment.
All these efforts are aimed at meeting the expectations of the people and the trust of tourists. This is the foundation for us to be ready with the best and most professional attitude to serve the APEC 2027 High-Level Week - an international-scale event that Phu Quoc is honored to be chosen as a destination," Mr. Khoa emphasized.
Professionalization
At the launching ceremony of the Tourism Rapid Response Team, Multilingual QR Code and Tourism Code of Conduct (COC) recently, Chairman of An Giang Provincial People's Committee Ho Van Mung said that Phu Quoc has looked straight at the truth, listened to the voices of tourists and acted with specific and substantive solutions. The transition from "handling cases" to "establishing governance mechanisms" through technology and specialized personnel is the right direction, showing vision and high responsibility to the people, domestic tourists and international friends.
The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee also requested relevant departments, branches and special zone authorities not to let these models stop at the Launching Ceremony. The rapid response team must truly be a "shield" to protect tourists; The Tourism Code of Conduct must go into daily business operations of each restaurant, hotel, tourist destination, travel companies...
Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy - Chairman of An Giang Tourism Association - said that the tourism rapid response team brings many positive values to the local tourism industry. First of all, we can see the determination of the government in management, helping tourism to be safe, friendly, and secure in the eyes of domestic and foreign tourists. Thereby creating a great competitive advantage for Phu Quoc because in the current situation, good security is an advantage for tourists to decide to choose a stopover destination.
In the immediate future, during the April 30 holiday, the number of domestic tourists is forecast to increase sharply, along with international tourists still favoring choosing Phu Quoc. I think the Team will help a lot, for example, handling 24/7 situations, about prices, customer opinions, helping the holiday to be well controlled. In particular, this force will help the tourism industry improve professionalism, everything will be safer, follow the trend of order, and work methodically," Mr. Huy shared.
