Thinking of having a vacation despite the summer season being almost over? Excited as you are may be, do not go falling into travel bookings that sound too good to be true. Because chances are, they could be, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned.
In the advisory, the DTI claims to have received multiple complaints over suppliers that essentially overpromised but underdelivered or otherwise denied honoring their bookings of their clients altogether, per Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles via the state television, PTV.
Nograles cited instances where the clients would arrive at their location, only to not be accommodated as their bookings were denied. Alternatively, some were promised a first-class service, only to receive sub-par experiences.
In offsetting the problem, the trade assistant secretary is asking the public to only transact “with legitimate travel agents or providers who are duly registered.”
While Nograles was unable to provide a definitive number concerning the complaints, she claims that they are seasonal incidents.
In addition, the DTI is also advising vacationers, particularly those who book services online, to check the fine print of their deals.
More specifically, the agency urges said vacationers to double-check if they are following the right payment instructions before making payment. Or if they are paying, what could they expect in return? Particularly, will they be getting an electronic copy of the ticket or a reservation in an accommodation immediately or not?
Filipinos victimized by online travel booking scams may send their complaints to consumercare@dti.gov.ph.