Hue tightens control over scams, starts promotional tourist month A festival taking place at Hue city, the country's former imperial capital Tuoi Tre The Thua Thien - Hue Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently announced that it will step up its control over Hue’s hallmark “ca Hue” (traditional Hue music) performances for tourists on the Huong river along with other tourist activities to cope with recent scams. From now, photographers will no longer be allowed to enter the boats, where the performances take place every night, and take photos of tourists before coercing them into buying the photos at exorbitant prices. The boat owners will also be required to clearly post their prices for the services they offer and will have their permits suspended if violating the rules. The signature “ca Hue” performances on the Huong river were disrupted on Aug 13-15, as dozens of boats used for the performances were mobilized for the Hue Nam temple festival. Groups of more than eight tourists were denied access to the performances. Smaller groups were offered the service, but for double the usual price. According to tour operators, that triggered complaints from many tourists, as the “ca Hue” performances is one of the few Hue’s nighttime tourist activities. “Ca Hue” is the fuse of Hue folk songs and court music, so it takes on the elegance and solemnity of chamber, academic music. The pieces are quite strict in structures, lyrics and performing styles. Earlier, on Aug 10, the provincial committee requested concerned agencies to tighten control over the province’s other tourist activities to minimize scams. “Hue heritage month” kicks off In the promotional program, which will run from Sept 2 to 30 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hue Relics being recognized as a UNESCO world cultural heritage, tourists who buy tickets to visit Dai Noi, Khai Dinh and Minh Mang Mausoleums will gain free access to the other relics. Groups of over 30 members will also be accompanied by a tour guide. Tourists will get free electric car services from Dai Noi’s Hien Nhon gate to Hue Royal Court Museum. 50% discounts will be offered on tickets to “nha nhac cung dinh” (Hue court music) performances at Duyet Thi Duong Theater. All the service fees at the relics will be 10% off. 19 of the province’s large hotels have promised to offer discounts of 3-50% on their services, local tourism authorities said. Hue will also launch new tours such as “The tender Hue” night cultural tour, “The soul of the ancient Hue” tour and a tour for tourists to spend time with A Luoi ethnic minority. TUOITRENEWS