Visitors to Siargao warned against fake travel agents

BUTUAN CITY – Authorities here have warned against the proliferation of bogus or fake travel agents, who have taken advantage of the massive influx of tourists and visitors in Siargao Island.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) is strongly against bogus agents and we are informing the general public, especially our tourists, both foreign and domestic to be extra careful,” DOT Region 13 Director Ma. Ana T. Nuguid said in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin.

Based on DOT statistics, at least seven million Filipinos travel around the country between April and May.

“Most people take a break by traveling and taking a vacation away from the usual hustle and bustle of their day-to-day lives. The figure does not include our frequent foreign tourists,” the region’s DOT chief said.

Nuguid also pointed out that with the help of the internet, people have been given the convenience of checking great deals on travel tours which also opens the risk of being victimized by fake travel agencies which offer “too-good-to-be true” tour packages on online.

As such, Nuguid said the DOT is urging all foreign and local travelers to be wary of these colorum travel agencies to avoid problems that might ruin their holiday.

She advised them to follow WISE, which stands for W – Work out your travel plans; I – Identify travel agencies; S – See tourism quality seal; and E – Engage accredited service providers only.