CITY OF BAGUIO AND BAGUIO TOURISM COUNCIL LAUNCH PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT SCAMS TARGETING TOURISTS

November 27, 2024 JUST IN

Baguio City

The City of Baguio, in partnership with the Baguio Tourism Council, is proud to announce its latest public awareness campaign, “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!”. The initiative aims to safeguard tourists and residents from scams and fraudulent activities, particularly those related to online booking and accommodations.

The campaign was first introduced during the Capacity Building for Tourism Stakeholders seminar held on November 26, 2024, at Opal Hall, Hotel Supreme. This event gathered key stakeholders in the tourism sector to discuss the critical role of well-structured tourism plans and programs in fostering sustainable growth, enhancing visitor experiences, and supporting local enterprises.

The official launch of “Huwag maging BIKTIMA. Be Scam Aware!” will take place on November 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM, during the grand opening of the Enchanting Baguio Christmas Market at the Rose Garden, Burnham Park. This event coincides with the holiday season’s expected influx of visitors to Baguio, ensuring the campaign’s message reaches a broad audience.

The centerpiece of the campaign is an informative and engaging infomercial, a project of the Baguio Tourism Council G2 Sector, which is composed of owners and operators of small- to medium-sized accommodation establishments. This group plays a vital role in Baguio’s tourism industry and is committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of both residents and visitors. The infomercial aims to:

Educate the Public: Shed light on common scamming techniques used by fraudsters, particularly those targeting tourists via social media and online platforms. Promote Scam Prevention: Provide actionable advice on verifying the authenticity of rental listings and identifying trusted sources of information. Encourage Safe Tourism Practices: Direct tourists and residents to reliable resources, including the Baguio Tourism Council’s verified database DOT-CAR and City Permits and Licensing Division listings, to avoid falling prey to scams.

“Scams have the potential to undermine the trust and confidence of tourists visiting our city,” said BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara. “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.”

“The launch of this campaign could not come at a better time, as we prepare to welcome a surge of holiday visitors,” said Au Alambra, representative of the BTC G2 Sector. “We are grateful to BTC Chairperson Gladys Vergara for her unwavering support and leadership, which made this project a reality. 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. “The safety and trust of our residents and visitors are our top priorities,” added a representative from the Baguio Tourism Council. “Through this campaign, we hope to create a community that is vigilant and well-informed, ensuring that Baguio remains a safe haven for all.” The public is invited to join this festive and meaningful event, where they can learn more about the campaign while enjoying the vibrant holiday festivities that make Baguio a favorite Christmas destination.