HCM CITY – Two Visitor Information and Support Centres (VISC) opened on Wednesday at Bạch Đằng Wharf Park and 23/9 Park, according to the HCM City Department of Tourism.

The centres aim to limit problems for tourists and improve services, according to the HCM City Tourism Promoting Centre (HTPC).

The centres, which operate daily from 8am to 9pm, feature consulting staff who can give advice and support visitors.

Free tourist publications, including maps and guidebooks with travel tips, must-see attractions and rules of behavior, are provided in various languages such as English, Japanese, and Russian.

Touchscreens, computers with internet access and charger ports are also given to visitors so they can search on their own, Bùi Tá Hoàng Vũ, director of the city’s tourism department, said.

Senior citizens and students interested in English and tourism are encouraged to support incoming visitors.

The department plans to open two other centres at the Independence Palace and Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.

Compared to the first six months of last year, the number of visitors to HCM City increased by 14 percent this year.Tourism profits in the city hit VNĐ53.6 trillion (US$2.36 billion),12 per cent more than the same period last year.

The increase indicates HCM City’s major role in the country’s tourism sector, but security, safety and services still need improving, Hoàng Vũ said. – VNS