Encourage tourists to report price gouging on social networks

(Baonghean)- After a tourist complained that the mantis shrimp dish was too expensive, the leaders of Cua Lo tourism industry quickly stepped in, verified, explained the 'misunderstanding' and asked the restaurant to contact the tourist.

During the 2017 tourist season, at some tourist spots in the province, there has been a beginning of the phenomenon of price gouging and “ripping off” tourists. If this problem is not stopped soon, it will damage the tourism image that the province has been working hard to build.

On the morning of June 18, on Facebook, Mr. Tran Thanh - a resident of Hong Son ward (Vinh city) posted content expressing his indignation towards a restaurant that raised the price by charging 500,000 VND for a plate of tamarind-fried mantis shrimp.

Mr. Thanh’s post quickly received the attention and comments of many people. Most opinions said that it is necessary to clarify and handle the matter strictly, not to let “one bad apple spoil the barrel”, damaging the image of Nghe An tourism in general.

After nearly 1 hour of sharing, Mr. Tran Thanh deleted this Facebook status. Mr. Thanh revealed: "The leaders of the Department of Culture and Information of Cua Lo town had a return exchange on Facebook as well as a direct phone call, saying that they would investigate and handle the above incident."

Mr. Vo Van Tho - Head of the Department of Culture and Information of Cua Lo town said: "Immediately after receiving the information, the town went down to work with the restaurant owner. According to the restaurant owner, the customer requested to eat delicious mantis shrimp - mantis shrimp with eggs. The restaurant made a 2 kg plate.

We believe this is a “misunderstanding” because the restaurant has not explained and clearly stated the price/type/quantity on the bill. Comparing the quantity of 2 kg of mantis shrimp eggs, along with the market price, the amount to be paid above is appropriate.”

The reporter discussed and verified the information with Mr. Tran Thanh, who added that he welcomed the receptive and open-minded spirit of the authorities of Cua Lo Town with the goal of making Cua Lo always an attractive, civilized, polite, and non-overcharging destination.

Cua Lo Town seafood has long been famous for its quality and reasonable prices. Photo: TS

Since 2006, implementing the policy of "5 no", the awareness of the people of Cua Lo town in general and the business households in the area in particular has had many positive changes, contributing to improving the professionalism in tourism activities. Almost all kiosks, restaurants providing food and beverage services, along the beach have proactively and consciously posted price lists for all types of food and services.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh Long - Deputy Head of the Finance and Planning Department, People's Committee of Cua Lo town said: "To prevent the phenomenon of price increases and forcing customers, the town has implemented Directive No. 04/CT-UBND, requiring kiosk and restaurant owners to sign a commitment not to increase prices and ensure food safety.

At the same time, popularize hotlines to receive tourists' opinions. Cua Lo always "takes price as a brand", has been trying to satisfy all tourists. With the incident that happened to Mr. Tran Thanh, this is the first time that Cua Lo Town has let this phenomenon happen. We will continue to check, remind and implement sanctions to punish violations of commitments."

Since the beginning of the 2017 tourist season, Nghe An beach tourism has continuously received good news about the number of visitors. Statistics in the first 6 months of 2017, tourists coming to Nghe An were about 4.1 million, an increase of 54% compared to the same period in 2016.

Of which, the total number of visitors to Cua Lo is estimated at 1,490,000, reaching 82% of the plan. Of which, the number of staying guests is estimated at 790,000, reaching 80.8% of the plan. Revenue from service and tourism activities is estimated at 1,220 billion VND, reaching 75% of the yearly plan.

There are many tourists, seafood sells well, but it seems that because of that, at times, in some places, some business owners have begun to have the idea of ​​"good harvest, increase prices", "work one season, eat all year".

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam in Nam Dan district, who often goes sightseeing, swimming and enjoying seafood at Nghe An beaches, shared: "I went to eat dum cooked with bananas at Dien Hai beach (Dien Chau) before April 30 - May 1, the price was 100,000 VND/bowl, after this time it was 200,000 VND/bowl.

Eating mackerel with tomato sauce at the beach kiosk costs 150,000 VND/plate (1 piece - about 0.3kg) but going down to Cua Hoi to buy mackerel in the freezer, it only costs 130,000 VND/kg. I know seafood prices fluctuate daily but they cannot fluctuate that much so I am not satisfied yet.

The interdisciplinary inspection team requested a restaurant in Cua Lo to destroy expired beer. Photo: TS

The annoyance of tourists at many coastal tourist destinations is not only the price of some items but also the parking service, street vendors and environmental sanitation. Mr. Truong Hai Linh - Director of Nghe An Tourism Promotion Information Center stated: This is a tourism problem that needs to be solved right from the beginning, we cannot "wait until the cow is gone to build the barn". Besides promoting propaganda activities, it is necessary to strengthen inspection and resolutely handle violations.

According to Mr. Linh, we need to encourage people to post images criticizing bad actions against tourists on social networks and to the public. This will create a strong effect and effectiveness to warn against subjects, establishments, and places that oppress and have bad attitudes towards tourists.

It is even necessary to name restaurants and hotels that have been known to raise prices and rip off customers to increase deterrence and reduce recidivism.

Thanh Son