Tourists visiting Vietnam could face problems with restrooms, as it is believed that the nation does not have enough to cater to the increasing number of visitors.
It is believed that restrooms at tourist destinations in Vietnam only meet about 30 percent of demand, and that this could affect tourists’ perceptions of the country as well as affecting the environment. The issue has attracted the attention of the nation’s top tourism officials.
During a videoconference that was held recently between tourism officials and experts from Ha Noi, HCM City and Da Nang, it was decided that the matter would receive immediate attention from all parties. The officials agreed that they would create a detailed plan to build enough public rest rooms to serve tourists. The nation’s minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoang Tuan Anh, made a commitment that investment in public rest-rooms for the tourism sector would receive top priority from the authorities this year.
Last May, the ministry asked the People’s Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces including Ha Noi, HCM City, and Da Nang to design plans for, and boost the construction of, public restrooms. Once the orders and plans are put into practice, it is expected that by the end of this year at least 50 percent of tourist destinations will have public rest-rooms of the expected quality. Taking the initiative further, it is expected that within two years, all tourist destinations across the country will have qualifying rest rooms.
The conference of concerned ministers also discussed other measures aimed at enhancing tourism in the nation, including measures to contain the degradation of the infrastructure, improper conservation of historical cultural sites and shortage of staff.
Vietnam is making significant efforts to enhance the nation’s tourism and has been promoting its attractions at international forums.
