by Gerry Lee Gorit
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Top officials of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) have warned the public against the proliferation of online travel scammers.
The warning came as the travel and tours association in the country is having its first ever conduct of 31st PTAA Travel Tour Expo VISMIN, CDO 2024, at Limketkai Mall Atrium Center in Cagayan de Oro City.
Mr. Jaison p. Yang, PTAA spokesperson said online travel scams are now proliferating online and the only way to avoid them is to become cautious when a traveler tries to transact online.
Yang said one should be cautious when transacting online for travel booking and related matters. These travel online scammers are only waiting for their victims. First thing to do when responding to certain online offers, ask them if they are members of PTAA. Secondly, if one confirms that they are not a member of the organization, refrain from transacting or transact at your own risk.
For her part, Philippine Travel Agencies Association President Evangeline Tankiang Manotok also told newsmen and vloggers during the press conference that those usual victims of online travel scams are those looking for fast transactions and much cheaper travel booking and vacation anywhere in the country or overseas.
She said for the travelers safety caution when transacting online is very important. While it’s true that online transactions are fast but scammers are also proliferating online.
“Face to face transactions between travelers and the travel agencies is still the safest method not to be victimized. However, if you want to transact online, identify those that are legit travel agencies,” the PTAA president said. ###
