The abandoned tourists waiting to board the flight back to Taiwan (China) on February 14. — Photo tuoitre.vn

KIÊN GIANG — The Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism has issued a document requesting the Department of Tourism of Kiên Giang Province to provide additional information regarding the incident involving 292 tourists from Taiwan (China) being left stranded in the resort island Phú Quốc during the last Lunar New Year holiday.

The agency is collecting information for an upcoming meeting with representatives from the Department of Economic and Cultural Affairs of Taipei City (Taiwan, China).

In this case, the information that needs clarification encompasses the collaboration agreement between Taiwan-based We Love Tour Company and relevant Vietnamese entities, along with pertinent documents for the group of 292 Taiwanese tourists.

The actual expenses incurred by Vietnamese businesses supporting the tourist group also must be clarified, as well as any proposals or recommendations put forth by service providers.

The tourism authority also praises Kiên Giang's tourism department for swiftly and efficiently guiding local businesses in addressing the situation, ensuring the safety and rights of tourists, and upholding the secure and appealing image of Vietnamese tourism. This proactive approach has garnered recognition and high appreciation from international partners.

Bùi Quốc Thái, head of the department, stated: "The department has received the document from the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism and has worked with relevant travel units. The department will provide the report once it is available."

Earlier on February 15, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism sent Document No.267 to Kiên Giang's tourism department, requesting clarification on information related to Taiwanese tourists "abandoned" while traveling in Phú Quốc.

Following the investigation into the incident involving the group of 292 Taiwanese tourists reportedly "abandoned" in Phú Quốc on February 15, it has been found that Winner Vietnam International Travel Company Limited violated regulations governing travel service business activities. Specifically, the company was found to have operated without a travel contract with the tourists, the company itself, or their representatives, as stipulated by regulations.

On February 17, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (China) announced a fine of TWD810,000 (US$25,000) against We Love Tour for violating the Tourism Development Act and regulations on the management of tourism agencies. The Taiwan Quality Assurance Association (TQAA) has revoked the membership status of We Love Tour Company. — VNS