Baguio City’s tourism officials are strongly advising visitors to consult the city’s official list of accredited accommodations to safeguard against fraudulent activities. Gladys Vergara, the head of the Baguio Tourism Council, emphasized the importance of using the Baguio Visita website (https://visita.baguio.gov.ph) to find verified places to stay. This initiative comes as part of a broader campaign titled ‘Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!’ aimed at educating both tourists and residents about the risks of scams, particularly in online bookings.
Vergara highlighted that the integrity of Baguio’s tourism industry depends on maintaining visitor trust and confidence, which can be severely undermined by scams. The campaign is a collective effort to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, enhancing their experience in the city. The Baguio Tourism Council, along with other local resources like the Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region and the City Permits and Licensing Division, provides a comprehensive database to help people avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The urgency of this campaign was underscored by Aurora Alambra, a former journalist, who noted its timely launch ahead of the holiday season, when Baguio expects an influx of tourists. She stressed the necessity of proactive measures to protect both locals and visitors from the growing threat of scams, which have seen an increase since the rise of online bookings during the pandemic. The city’s commitment to responsible tourism is further supported by the media, which plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and advocating for safer travel practices.