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The crux
The underlying problem with the
new policy is that authorities failed to
explain it clearly to visitors. Further, the
guards enforcing the ticketing system
have failed to manage it in a manner
that is clear and acceptable.
“The entry fee to the ancient relics
is not a new policy, as entry fees of $6
for foreign tourists and $3 for locals
were applied in 2012,” said Nguyen Su,
Secretary of Hoi An City Party Commit-
tee, in response to complaints. “Last
year the rate for local visitors was raised
to $4 for four sites, while that for for-
eigners remained the same. We have in
fact charged fees since 1995.”
Su added that about three-quarters
of the fees collected are earmarked for
maintaining and repairing the old hous-
es in the city, because the state budget
cannot cover the task.
However, as Vo Phung, director of
the Hoi An Department of Culture and
Sport, says, in the past ticket collection
and checking were very easy-going,
and he believes the problem now is that
enforcement is strict. “We admit our
mistake in not informing everyone. We
sent an official announcement to travel
agencies in the area to inform their
guests, but it’s a pity that many of them
have not done so. We tightened the
ticket checks with the aim of prevent-
ing travel agencies leaving their guests
alone after taking their money,” he said.
Last year the city received 1.6 mil-
lion tourists and 750,000 stayed in the
town. However, around 500,000 paid
the entrance fee, meaning many tour-
ists came but did not pay the fees.
Despite fears of a reduction in tour-
ist numbers, official figures from local
authorities claim that numbers increas-
ing. They cite figures that show a 20 per
cent rise over the same period last year.
However, clearly the ticket charges will
not impact existing bookings and any
damage wrought by the new fees will
become more visible in the future.
“Some people say Hoi An is empty
now, but that is pure fabrication! Yes, at
5am and at noon the streets are desert-
ed, but during peak times I have had
to walk with my bike to go through a
crowded group of tourists on the street.
I do not know when they took the pho-
tos that were posted on Facebook, but
it is clear that they chose the time to
give a certain impression,” said Su.
Travel agencies have a duty to con-
tribute to the preservation of the herit-
age site, from which they gain financial
benefit. “If we lack funds to restore the
ancient relics they will collapse,” he said.
“Hoi An town is a complex of rel-
ics, so all of the money from tickets is
focused on restoring the streets, houses
and temples,” Su stressed. He also be-
lieves the main problem may not be the
fee itself, but the collection method.
“It’s the ticket attendants’ offensive be-
haviour that is doing the damage,” he
said. As a result, efforts are being made
to ensure the staff are more courteous.
A meeting was held between interested
parties and the local government, to
discuss the best way forward.
Su also said feedback should be
constructive and given directly to local
authorities so they can act.
visitor fees
THE HERITAGE JOURNEY