Safety for tourist in Ho Chi Minh City, the southern region’s economic hub, has been improved as a result of great efforts made by the local authorities over recent years.

Facing complaints of tourists about snatching incidents on the street or nagging vendors, the municipal People’s Committee in 2006 assigned the Voluntary Youth Public Benefit Service Company Limited (VYPBS Co.) to ensure safety for tourists, turning the city into a safe and friendly destination.

Over the past eight years, the young volunteers have worked alongside the police to patrol the streets and deal with incidents involving tourists.

To enhance the capacity of its staff, Vice Director of VYPBS Co Nguyen Huu Quy said the company will open courses on English language and martial art for them.

According to Deputy Director of the municipal Department for Culture, Sports and Tourism La Quoc Khanh, the number of international tourists visited the city accounts for 55 percent of the national figure, and has been growing at between 15-20 percent each year.-VNA