Although there were a few isolated cases of reservation fraud in previous vacation seasons, this summer Mazatlán has not reported any complaints related to booking scams or overcharging tourists, according to the director of the Secretariat of Economic Development, Tourism and Fisheries (Sedectur), Ali Zamudio, and the president of the Tres Islas Hotel Association, José Ramón Manguart.
In interviews regarding fraud and tourist abuses, visitor Manolo Gutiérrez said that he and his family always visit Mazatlán and now make their reservations directly with the hotel, whereas they previously used a travel agency.
Taxi services are expensive, especially the pulmonías and aurigas, but that is due to the length of the routes. However, no complaints have been filed.
Warnings
The official and the hotel association leader reiterated the recommendation that visitors book accommodations directly with hotels or through officially established platforms and travel agencies.
The director of Mazatlán’s Secretariat of Economic Development, Tourism and Fisheries (Sedectur), Ali Zamudio, stated that neither the tourist information centers nor the Tourist Assistance and Protection Center (CAPTA) have received complaints about reservation fraud during the current vacation season.
He explained that the information centers primarily provide guidance about tourist attractions, the schedules of the Mazatlán Aquarium, the Lighthouse, the Observatory, beaches, and other places of interest.
He added that CAPTA remains available to receive complaints related to hotel rates, reservation issues, or any other situation affecting visitors.
Recommendation
Zamudio urged tourists to make their reservations directly through the official hotel websites or through recognized booking platforms, avoiding reservations made through social media with private individuals.
He recalled that during last summer only two or three reservation fraud cases were reported, while this year none have been recorded so far.
If a visitor is affected, he recommended filing a complaint after returning home, since most of these crimes are committed online and can be reported from their place of residence without interrupting their vacation.
The official also noted that the city government maintains agreements with several hotels to offer preferential rates to tourists who require last-minute accommodations after becoming victims of fraud.
He specified that all affected visitors accepted this assistance last year.
Security
Regarding public safety, Zamudio said that no reports or concerns have been received from tourists.
He also reported that surveys have been conducted at various tourist locations over the past two weeks to measure visitors’ perceptions. The results will be released after the vacation season ends.
No Fraud Cases
For his part, José Ramón Manguart, president of the Tres Islas Hotel Association, agreed that the best way to avoid fraud is to book directly with hotels or through officially established travel agencies.
He commented that these situations occur only occasionally in both Mazatlán and other tourist destinations, and again advised travelers to be cautious of offers on social media that appear too good to be true.
Source: debate
