Intensive inspections launched over excessive hotel rates ahead of fireworks festival

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 26th that it conducted intensive inspections of tourist hotels around Yeouido in anticipation of more than 1 million visitors to the Seoul International Fireworks Festival on Sept. 5.
From Sept. 1 to 3, the city, along with Yeongdeungpo-gu, Mapo District and Yongsan District, visited the sites to check key matters, including whether hotels were complying with the obligation to post room rates.
The inspection focused in particular on compliance with the revised Enforcement Decree of the Public Health Control Act, which took effect on July 14.
Under the revised rules, lodging businesses must not only display rate tables at the front desk as before, but also clearly post room rates on their online platforms when they use online interfaces.
In addition, first-time violations of the rate-posting requirement now carry a five-day business suspension, replacing the previous warning or corrective order, as of July 14.
The on-site inspections were overseen by the city, while tourism departments in each district drew up and carried out hotel inspection plans within their jurisdictions. Sanitation departments in the districts, which have authority to impose sanitation-related administrative penalties, also took part.
If any violations are found, the authorities will take necessary measures, including administrative action, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Separately from the on-site checks, the Seoul Metropolitan Government also conducted intensive monitoring of room rates for Sept. 5 posted on major online travel agency sites from Sept. 1 to 4.
If the monitoring shows price hikes that are excessively higher than usual weekend rates, the city plans to ask the hotel association and others to make self-regulatory efforts and, if necessary, carry out additional inspections through the relevant district office.
The city also sent cooperation letters on the 18th and 25th to related organizations, including the hotel association, the Tourism Association and major online travel agencies, urging them to comply with the obligation to post room rates and refrain from unilateral reservation cancellations.
Cho Seong-ho, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Tourism and Sports Bureau, said, "The Seoul International Fireworks Festival is one of Seoul’s signature events that attracts many domestic and international visitors every year, so the festival’s meaning and Seoul’s tourism image should not be damaged by unfair practices at some lodging businesses." He added, "Through thorough on-site inspections, we will create a sound lodging environment where visitors can enjoy the festival with peace of mind."
Meanwhile, during last year’s fireworks festival, sharp increases in hotel rates at properties with views of the Hangang River in Yeouido, Yongsan and Mapo sparked significant controversy. Not only did room rates rise sharply, but cases of reselling lodging vouchers also emerged. 

[email protected] Lee Seol-young Reporter