Hoi An launches tour group entry fees

Individuals wishing to support the tourist site may buy tickets, but it won’t be mandatory.

Tour groups without tickets will not be able to enter the old town in the central province of Quang Nam, said Hoi An chairman Nguyen Van Son Thursday.

“Individual tourists and families will be encouraged to buy tickets, but whether they purchase them or not does not matter,” he said, adding that those entering to eat, drink, or take wedding photos would not have to buy tickets.

As part of the plan, staff will be stationed at the town’s entrances providing guidance. There will not be separate paths for tourists and Hoi An locals. Ticket prices will be VND120,000 ($5.11) for international visitors and VND80,000 for Vietnamese.

Tour groups will be monitored from the parking lot and will be asked to follow certain routes. Groups found without tickets will be expelled from the town and their accompanying tour guides will be fined.

In April, Hoi An said it was deploying a management plan that included making all tourists purchase tickets. However, the plan was scrapped after the announcement proved to be controversial, with many voicing their disapproval of the plan.

Son said that without a source of income, the town will not be able to maintain order, infrastructure and the environment, as well as the localities unique cultural activities.