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Hoi An’s entry fee mandate sparks controversy among foreigners

Hoi An’s entry fee mandate sparks controversy among foreigners

Wednesday, April 05, 2023, 22:41 GMT+7
Hoi An’s entry fee mandate sparks controversy among foreigners
Entrances to Hoi An Ancient Town in the namesake city of Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre

The Hoi An City People’s Committee’s recent requirement of entrance tickets for Hoi An Ancient Town has run into opposition from foreigners, but many others have thrown their support behind the move.

From May 15, both local and international visitors will have to buy tickets to enter Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Minh An Ward of Hoi An City, which is administered by Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam.

The tickets cost VND120,000 (US$5.1) each for foreigners and VND80,000 ($3.4) each for domestic tourists.

Local authorities have announced that they will designate two entrances to the ancient town, one for tourists and the other for people residing in the town as well as those entering it for work.

A Facebook user named Lynne Meddaugh left a comment on the Tuoi Tre News page that “if the goal is to reduce crowds to reasonable levels, maybe it is a good thing.”

The foreigner, however, raised some questions on how vendors and businesses in the town feel about this and what if visitors stay just outside the ancient town area, but want to go inside each day for restaurants or the night market.

“[The requirement] makes me not want to go there again. It is a beautiful destination, but this doesn’t feel like the right approach,” the foreigner said.

Echoing the view, another user called Cynthia Miller commented, “It has a kind of taking the spirit out of the feeling of going.”

“I personally think ticketing is just about the worst way to raise money,” remarked Jon Ritchie.

Disagreeing with the mandate, another Facebook user expressed his opinion that “it’s made not to improve the place but to make foreigners pay more and more. The actual tourist value of the place approximates zero, just a bait for vendors inside.”

The user also added that the compulsory entrance fee will eliminate the return of customers and visitors.

According to Chris Joldnall, the move will only worsen the image of tourism.

“Is it US$5 a day? And what if you access a tailor three or four times over five days or dine out?” Greg Taylor questioned.

In contrast, many foreign Facebook users agreed with the entrance fee mandate as it is a need.

“I have no issue with this,” Darren Ryding commented, adding that Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam have city taxes. Residents in Hoi An really struggled through COVID-19, he said.

“Good idea! [The move will] get rid of cheap tourists and get a more up-market tourism segment in which travelers will spend more and give retailers in Hoi An better value,” wrote Rob Lock.

Another Facebook user valued the entry fee requirement as a good thing since the proceeds could be used to preserve and protect the ancient town.

“Great move! It’s time to protect Hoi An from overcrowding and damaging the ecosystems. Considering it is a world heritage site,” commented Daisy Logan.

Michael Roberts, a Facebook user, suggested that “I agree. However, a better idea is to increase the price for tourists and allow free entrance for locals and TRC [temporary resident card] holders.”

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Tieu Bac / Tuoi Tre News

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