‘Tourist police’ model floated for Phu Quoc to safeguard visitors, improve tourism experience

The proposal was put forward by association chairman Nguyen Vu Khac Huy at a 'Ca phe doanh nhan' ('Coffee Talk') session, held for the first time on Saturday by the provincial administration under the theme 'The success of entrepreneurs is the development of An Giang Province.'

As visitor numbers, including those of international travelers, continue to rise, tourism businesses on the island are calling for early warning systems to forecast arrivals by air and sea, enabling operators to better prepare their workforce and improve service quality.

Against this backdrop, Huy emphasized the need for a tourist police force to oversee tourism-related activities, prevent aggressive solicitation and price gouging, and safeguard the rights and interests of both local and foreign visitors, thereby reinforcing Phu Quoc's image as a safe and welcoming destination.

Major General Nguyen Van Han, director of the An Giang Department of Public Security, stressed that security is essential to attracting investment and developing tourism on the island.

Although Vietnam has yet to establish an official tourist police model, he noted that An Giang's police force already has units capable of ensuring visitor safety, adding that businesses can contact him directly for guidance and support in resolving issues.

He urged tourism operators to comply with the law, protect the environment, and maintain order at their establishments.

"Tourism enterprises in Phu Quoc must operate professionally, avoid double bookings, and maintain transparent and fair pricing for both domestic and international visitors," Han said.

At the session, local business leaders also called on the province to strengthen support networks for small- and medium-sized enterprises, streamline administrative procedures, reduce intermediaries, expand access to finance, and foster a more open and predictable investment and business environment.

Ho Van Mung, chairman of the An Giang Province People's Committee, said the 'Coffee Talk' program will be held monthly throughout 2026, providing enterprises with regular access to business information and investment opportunities.

Provincial authorities will continue to listen to the concerns, aspirations, and recommendations of businesses and entrepreneurs and are ready to step in to remove obstacles, contributing to An Giang's socio-economic development, Mung added.