(Hanoi, 12th Feb) A suspected business dispute between two travel agencies has left nearly 300 Taiwanese tourists stranded on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

According to Taiwan's United Daily News, the implicated Taiwanese company, Meijia International Travel Service Co. Ltd. (referred to as "Era Travel"), responded on 12th Feb, stating that tours from Taiwan were assigned to four travel agencies on Phu Quoc Island. However, only one of them "encountered an unexpected situation," prompting urgent arrangements with other travel agencies for assistance.

A Taiwanese tourist posted a complaint, stating that during the Lunar New Year, they participated in a 5-day-4-night tour to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, with their family. Despite departing on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Taiwanese travel agency did not make the payment to the local travel agency. As a result, on the second day at the destination, the tourists were abandoned. The enraged tourist exclaimed, "The first time spending the New Year abroad with family and children turned out to be a tour scam."

According to reports, the implicated Vietnamese travel agency, WinnER International Travel Co. Ltd. (referred to as "WinnER"), released a statement accusing Era Travel of only paying less than 10% of the tour cost, rendering them unable to provide guides and vehicles to complete the itinerary. They further claimed that even the airfare had not been fully paid.



According to the statement, if passengers wish to continue the journey, each person must pay an additional $720 (approximately 3,431 Malaysian Ringgit). "After returning to Taiwan, passengers can file complaints with the Tourism Quality Assurance Association and seek reimbursement for the tour fees spent on Phu Quoc Island." Up to 292 Taiwanese tourists are stranded on Phu Quoc Island.

The General Manager of Era Travel, Lin Dajun, stated that the Phu Quoc Island tour had a total of 200 participants, with a 5-day journey starting on the 10th, costing 50,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 7,592 Malaysian Ringgit). Upon learning about the abandonment incident on the night of the 11th, the second day of the Lunar New Year, Lin stated that the preliminary investigation indicated an issue with the local travel agency. Era Travel has urgently sought assistance from other travel agencies to ensure the safety of the stranded passengers.

Taiwan's Tourism Quality Assurance Association Chairman, Li Qiyue, indicated that, based on initial understanding, there is a business dispute between Era Travel and Winner. If tourists are asked to make additional payments or advance travel expenses while on Phu Quoc Island, they should request receipts from the local travel agency. After returning to Taiwan, the association can assist in handling and advocating for the tourists' rights. Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation's Tourism Bureau stated that they are aware of the situation and advised tourists to return to Taiwan first. They assured that they would provide full assistance in resolving any related disputes over rights and interests.

https://www.enanyang.my/%E4%B8%9C%E7%9B%9F/...%9B%BD%E5%B2%9B

Adui should come Langkawi instead

May opt for self guided tour. Well, tedious homework not for everyone.

Not PRC scam so 1 page max