Safety for tourist in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern region’s economic
hub, has been improved as a result of great efforts made by the local
authorities over recent years.
Facing complaints of tourists
about snatching incidents on the street or nagging vendors, the
municipal People’s Committee in 2006 assigned the Voluntary Youth Public
Benefit Service Company Limited (VYPBS Co.) to ensure safety for
tourists, turning the city into a safe and friendly destination.
Over the past eight years, the young volunteers have worked alongside
the police to patrol the streets and deal with incidents involving
tourists.
To enhance the capacity of its staff, Vice Director
of VYPBS Co Nguyen Huu Quy said the company will open courses on English
language and martial art for them.
According to Deputy
Director of the municipal Department for Culture, Sports and Tourism La
Quoc Khanh, the number of international tourists visited the city
accounts for 55 percent of the national figure, and has been growing at
between 15-20 percent each year.-VNA