Ho Chi Minh City tightens online accommodation information management

Ho Chi Minh City is strengthening its management of accommodation information on online travel agency (OTA) platforms to ensure accuracy and transparency. The Department of Tourism has requested that OTAs regularly verify and update lodging information to ensure it matches actual operating conditions.

Authorities are specifically focusing on preventing the fraudulent promotion of star ratings and service quality. Accommodations that have not been officially certified or whose certifications have expired are prohibited from using star ratings in their marketing.

To protect tourists and maintain fair competition, OTAs are encouraged to use technical measures to detect and remove fake accounts, websites, or content that impersonates legitimate businesses. The initiative aims to clarify responsibilities: accommodations are responsible for the information provided, while OTAs are responsible for reviewing that information before and during publication.