Scary side of Dalat shopping

LAM DONG Dalat authorities are taking measures to tackle rising cases of shopping scams targeting tourists.

Local media reported statements from the Lam Dong People’s Committee claiming sellers and marketers used violent measures to force drivers, guides and visitors to buy their products.

The committee has asked the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Department of Industry and Trade and local authorities to increase inspections.

“Their actions reflect badly on security and order, the safety of tourists and the image and reputation of Dalat,” Lam Dong People’s Committee announced in an official statement.

Some reports indicated sellers and marketers assaulted visitors when they refused to buy products, mostly fruit and handicrafts. Food sellers and marketers gather at the tourism site’s entrance daily to sell products.

Dalat is the capital of Lam Dong province in Vietnam. It is a major tourist destination famous not only among Vietnamese but also among foreigners.

This year, the city forecasts 5.9 million local and international visitors.

In 2016, Dalat City welcomed 5.4 million visitors, an increase of 6% in 2015. In particular, international visitors increased rapidly to reach 270,000 visits, an increase of 5%.

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