Tourism stakeholders in Baguio City urged anew the public to check the list of local government-accredited accommodation establishments when looking for a place to stay in the city.
“Direct tourists and residents to reliable resources, including the Baguio Tourism Council’s verified database, DOT-CAR (Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region) and City Permits and Licensing Division listings, to avoid falling prey to scams,” Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), said in a press release on Monday.
The public can access a listing of the verified accommodation establishment through the Baguio Visita website, https://visita.baguio.gov.ph, she said.
Vergara said the BTC, through the organization of bed-and-breakfast establishments, has initiated “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!” campaign.
She said scams, particularly those related to online booking and accommodations, have the potential to undermine the trust and confidence of tourists visiting the city.
“As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that visitors feel safe and secure while experiencing the beauty of Baguio. This campaign is an essential step in educating the public and strengthening our collective effort to combat fraud and protect everyone’s well-being,” she said.
The media is also part of the BTC and helps in advocating for a responsible tourism.
Aurora Alambra, a former journalist, said, “the launch of this campaign could not come at a better time, as we prepare to welcome a surge of holiday visitors.”
“Through this campaign, we aim to protect both locals and tourists, ensuring that everyone’s experience in Baguio is safe and enjoyable. Scams and fraudulent activities have become a growing concern nationwide, and Baguio City is no exception. As a premier tourist destination, Baguio attracts thousands of visitors, making it essential to proactively address these threats,” Alambra said.
The city’s tourism office earlier reported that scams increased during the pandemic when online bookings were popularized, which was taken advantage of by scammers. (PNA)