Baguio: With the annual Baguio Flower Festival, or Panagbenga, approaching, tourism officials urged travelers Monday to book only with accredited hotels and verify their legitimacy before paying to avoid "accommodation scams."

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Tourism Cordillera Director Jovita Ganongan advised tourists to check the DOT website for accredited restaurants, hotels, destinations, and tour services. She emphasized the importance of verifying that accommodations are accredited by the DOT, as this guarantees they have met the department's prescribed standards and possess the necessary permits from the local government.

Ganongan highlighted that legitimate operators will not engage in fraudulent activities designed to scam tourists. The common scam involves tourists paying a deposit or the full amount, only to discover upon arrival that no booking exists.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong also advised travelers to exercise common sense when booking accommodations. He warned that if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam, and victims rarely recover their money. Magalong suggested checking the official Baguio Visita website for legitimate accommodation referrals.