AMID rising reports of tourist scams, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7, in coordination with the Lapu-Lapu City Government, has launched a crackdown aimed at protecting visitors and restoring trust in the local tourism industry.
DOT 7 Director Judy Gabato told reporters on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, that the agency convened an executive meeting with local officials to address scamming issues targeting tourists in Lapu-Lapu City.
This follows a memorandum dated May 28 raising concerns about the presence of locals exploiting Korean tourists for money within a private resort in Barangay Maribago.
As outlined in the notice, individuals have been assisting travelers crossing the busy road in front of the resort and recommending places to visit. However, the same individuals allegedly engage in persistent and unsolicited solicitation for tips and overpriced products, resulting in unfavorable experiences for some tourists.
The issue has become so widespread that it has significantly deterred travelers, with some expressing reluctance to return to the Philippines due to negative firsthand accounts and reviews. According to DOT 7, a 28.26 percent decline in Korean tourist arrivals in Cebu during the first quarter of 2025 has been observed. Data reveals a sharp drop from 787,954 arrivals in the same period of 2024 to 182,789 this year.
Clarification
In a separate interview, City Tourism Office (CTO) head Garry Lao clarified that the figures don’t fully represent Lapu-Lapu City but stressed the need for all stakeholders to collaborate. He said barangay officials and the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) held a meeting after receiving information from DOT 7. Barangay captains from key tourism areas including Agus, Mactan, Maribago, Marigondon, and Punta Engaño were informed. Lao cited that the scams range from overpriced mangoes sold at P1,200 per kilo to inflated motorcycle fares.
In response, Gabato requested the TPU to increase personnel visibility in the area to enhance safety for tourists. A “Filipino Brand of Service” training in July for barangay officials and tanods (village guards) will emphasize providing accurate information and proper conduct, especially among vendors, to ensure a consistent and welcoming approach in handling tourists, said Gabato.
Lao reiterated the importance of raising visitor awareness to help address the issue. He encouraged tourists to use only accredited tour guides and boat operators as part of efforts to ensure a safer and more positive experience. Stricter enforcement of regulations and penalties, along with the empowerment of accredited guides, are measures being implemented to identify hotspots of “hupo-hupo.”
“We cannot afford to compromise on these issues… We ask our enforcers to implement the law. If something is illegal, it must be enforced,” said Lao in Cebuano. Tour guides who have no accreditation from the CTO and DOT are called “hupo-hupo,” a Cebuano term describing their clandestine activity.
Protected at all costs
Outgoing Mayor and Congressman-elect Junard “Ahong” Chan, serving as a member of the Regional Peace and Order Council 7, ordered Task Force Aibo (Against Illegal Business Operations) and the police to go after individuals targeting tourists. Chan stressed that tourism is vital to the local economy and must be protected at all costs.
“Para nato wala na’y luna para diri sa atoa which is mao na’y atong bread and butter ang turismo unya mawagtang ni siya, mawa ang tanan, everything will follow,” said Chan.
(For us, there is no place for them here because tourism is our bread and butter; if it disappears, everything else will follow.)
Incoming mayor Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan also acknowledged the decline in tourist arrivals but expressed optimism that the visa-free policy for Indian nationals could help boost numbers. She plans to work and coordinate with the DOT with the aim to lower travel rates, as the city faces tough competition from more affordable international destinations. / DPC