The Tourism Regulatory Authority has issued a stern warning to the public against unlicensed online tour guides and companies that have been defrauding unsuspecting tourists.
The regulator has observed that these culprits often pull down their websites and other relevant accounts once they have received payments, leaving tourists with no recourse.
Additionally, some restaurants and hotels have been falsely marketing themselves as having attained various star ratings from the authority, further deceiving unsuspecting tourists.
“Others have continued to operate without relevant licences from the Authority, and now risking prosecution for doing so,” reads TRA’s statement.
Going forward, the Tourism Regulatory Authority has warned that anyone caught committing these offences will be punished by law and can attract at least 12 months jail term among other penalties.
The authority has advised members of the public to demand and check a TRA license number when seeking tourism and hospitality services, including short term rentals, to ensure they are engaging genuine service providers and getting value for money.
