Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Tourism is in hot water thanks to a new proposal that was quickly rejected by the municipal government.
Tuoi Tre reports that the department recently proposed the creation of a US$1 (VND23,000) overnight "tourism tax" on visitors who stay in the city. Under the plan, funds created through this fee would go towards enhancing tourism infrastructure in the metropolis.
The proposed tax stems from the revised tourism law which will come into effect next January, as the legislation allows cities to establish funds for tourism development through revenue generated by visitors.
According to the news source, travel agencies have welcomed the idea. Tran The Dung, deputy directory of The He Tre Travel, told Tuoi Tre: "The lack of free restrooms and trained tourism professionals could be fixed with money from this new fund."
However, the municipal government has rejected the proposal and rebuked the tourism department for putting it forward in the first place.
VnExpress shares that Tran Vinh Tuyen, Saigon's vice chairman, has said the city has no plans to consider the tax. The department's head has also been chastised for "making proposals on sensitive topics that affect the tourism environment," according to the news source.
The Ministry of Tourism proposed a similar plan for all of Vietnam earlier in the year, but this idea was also rejected.
Tuoi Tre adds in another article that the city tourism department will be forced to revoke its "tourist tax" proposal, in addition to submitting a self-criticism report to city leaders by October 15.
[Photo via Flickr user jev55]
