A British couple (R) pose with officials in Phu Quoc after getting help to receive their refund from a resort, Jan. 19, 2026. Photo by Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People’s Committee
Authorities in Phu Quoc have helped two British tourists recover more than VND260 million (US$9,900) after a local resort took extra payment and delayed refund of the money.
On Jan. 13 the visitors, Terry Wayne Furssedonn and Debra Churchill, paid their bill at the resort in the Cay Sao-Ham Ninh area.
They had to pay VND29 million, but a receptionist added a zero, resulting in an invoice of VND290 million.
The resort acknowledged the error and promised to issue a refund within three days, but it failed to do so. The tourists had paid with a card and the resort explained that it had not received money from the bank.
On Jan. 17 Jamie Farrar, who operates a business in Phu Quoc and is a friend of the couple, contacted the local tourist support center for assistance.
On receiving the report authorities contacted the resort to verify the details, and instructed it to provide a written commitment specifying a clear deadline for the refund to ensure the tourists’ travel plans were not disrupted.
It paid the money on Jan. 19.
“The authorities … stayed in constant contact to ensure the money was reimbursed as promised,” Farrar said.
Local authorities said timely intervention in such cases helps reinforce Phu Quoc’s image as a friendly and trustworthy destination for foreign visitors.
The island reported strong tourism growth in 2025, receiving 8.1 million visitors, including 1.8 million foreigners.
It expects the numbers to go up to 8.5 million and two million this year.
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