By Michelle Ducut
Tourists planning to visit Baguio City are urged to verify their accommodations through the city’s official list of accredited establishments to avoid falling victim to scams. The call was made by tourism stakeholders, including the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), as the city prepares for an influx of holiday visitors.
Gladys Vergara, chairperson of the BTC, emphasized the importance of using reliable resources such as the Baguio Visita website (https://visita.baguio.gov.ph), which provides a verified database of accredited accommodations. She also highlighted resources from the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) and the City Permits and Licensing Division.
To combat fraud, BTC launched the campaign “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!” (Do not be a victim, be scam aware!) in collaboration with bed-and-breakfast establishments in the city. Vergara noted that scams, especially those related to online booking and fraudulent accommodations, have undermined trust among tourists.
“As a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that visitors feel safe and secure while experiencing the beauty of Baguio. This campaign educates the public and strengthens collective efforts to combat fraud,” Vergara said.
The campaign’s timing is crucial as the city anticipates a surge of holiday visitors. Aurora Alambra, a former journalist and member of BTC, emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect tourists and locals. “Baguio City, as a premier tourist destination, attracts thousands of visitors, making it essential to address these threats and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone,” Alambra said.
The city’s tourism office reported an increase in scams during the pandemic, as online bookings became widespread and scammers exploited the trend. These fraudulent activities, which include fake listings and deceptive payment schemes, continue to pose risks to unsuspecting tourists.
Tourists are encouraged to book only with accredited establishments and to report suspicious activities to local authorities. The campaign aims to raise awareness and protect visitors while promoting responsible and secure tourism practices in Baguio.