Travellers take note!
Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the Limpopo Tourism Association, Mike Tauatsoala, shares a few tips on how to avoid being scammed this holiday season:
POLOKWANE – A group of young matriculants from Johannesburg were recently conned out of thousands of rands by a bogus travel company.
The teenagers enlisted the services of a company to book their accommodation in Plettenburg Bay. The two men they communicated with assured them that everything had been arranged, however when they arrived in Plettenburg Bay, they were left stranded.
Most South African families plan trips at this time of year and are being cautioned not to fall into traps set by chancers.
Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations of the Limpopo Tourism Association, Mike Tauatsoala, shares a few tips on how to avoid being scammed this holiday season:
“During this time of the year, criminals and con artists take advantage of those who don’t know how to get accommodation. There are a few things to look out for to make sure that you are not a victim this festive season,” Tauatsoala said.
- Identify where you want to go for the holidays first. “Get the contact details of the place you want to book for accommodation. Ensure the company you enlist to make arrangements for your trip is legitimate and registered.
- Use well-known travel agencies.
- Book online and google the businesses you want to use to ensure they are legitimate.
“Some of the perks that comes with choosing legitimate places to stay is that you can sometimes negotiate the prices,” Tauatsoala said.
He further encouraged families who have not made any plans for the holidays to explore Limpopo by visiting places such as the Kruger, Mapungubwe and Marakele national parks.
“They offer great fun for the whole family,” Tauatsoala concluded.
