ILOILO — The Malay–Boracay Tourism Office has issued a warning to travelers heading to Boracay Island, citing a growing number of unregistered and potentially fraudulent tourism operators that pose financial and safety risks to visitors, particularly those booking services online.
The advisory comes amid increasing reports of deceptive online offers involving tours, accommodations, transportation, and activity packages, as Boracay continues to attract high tourist traffic.
While many tourism service providers on the island are properly accredited and compliant with government standards, the tourism office said an alarming number of unregistered operators are exploiting online platforms to lure unsuspecting travelers.
Officials warned that some websites and social media profiles appear legitimate but are designed to mislead consumers, engaging in deceptive practices such as inflated pricing, misrepresentation of services, or failure to deliver paid services. Victims often face difficulty recovering their money due to limited oversight in online transactions.
The tourism office also flagged serious safety concerns, noting that operators not accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) may not comply with mandatory safety regulations and industry standards.
“These risks include unlicensed transportation services, inadequate safety measures for tourism activities, and the use of untrained guides who lack proper local knowledge,” the advisory stated.
Aside from safety threats, engaging non-accredited operators can lead to sudden cancellations, financial losses, and legal complications, leaving travelers scrambling for legitimate alternatives and disrupting their trips.
To avoid these risks, the Boracay Tourism Office urged visitors to verify that all service providers — whether booked in person or online — are accredited by the DOT or officially registered with the local government unit. Travelers were advised to look for valid permits or use authorized booking platforms known for reliability and customer support.
The office also cautioned against transactions made through unofficial social media pages, personal accounts, or unfamiliar websites, especially those offering unusually cheap or overly enticing deals.
Unsolicited tour offers or promotions received via email or social media, particularly those with disproportionately low prices, should be declined, as these are often linked to scams, the advisory said.
Travelers were further encouraged to check credible review platforms, seek feedback from previous customers, and consult official tourism channels before finalizing bookings.
For verification and inquiries on accredited tourism providers, the Boracay Tourism Office may be reached through email at igumalaytourism@yahoo.com; landline numbers (036) 288-8827 or 288-2493; mobile numbers (+63) 968-243-1919 and (+63) 905-219-1604; or via Facebook at f/malaytourism.
Visitors may also verify legitimate tourism entities through Project BIG-A at boracayinfoguide.com.
The tourism office stressed that traveler cooperation is vital in maintaining a safe, orderly, and reputable tourism environment on Boracay, urging visitors to remain vigilant, book responsibly, and protect both their safety and the island’s tourism integrity./PN
