By: Angelica Arquero
Several hotels and transient houses in Baguio City have already started to fill up weeks ahead of Christmas, as establishments prepared for the expected surge of holiday tourists.
At the same time, hotel operators reminded visitors to stay vigilant against fake online bookings.
Hotel acting manager Jefferson Lubina said their rooms began filling up as early as November 26. “Starting December, we’re already seeing many bookings. And once the holiday season arrives, around December 21 onwards, there will be even more,” he said in a conversational manner.
Lubina added it was normal for their establishment to be fully booked during regular holidays.
Hotel supervisor Maricel Tadena noted that discounts have helped attract new customers.
She said the promos served as a boost, especially for those who had yet to discover their hotel.
These establishments are only some of the hundreds of hotels and transient houses in the city that are beginning to reach full capacity this early.
Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) spokesperson Andrew Pinero said the city is currently packed, largely due to the influx of more than 1,500 golfers participating in the Fil-Am tournament. “Imagine them bringing their families as well, so our hotels and transient houses are fully booked right now,” he explained.
Pinero added that the increasing arrivals signal the start of the holiday rush.
He said the weeks leading to Christmas are expected to be consistently crowded.
With thousands more set to visit beginning the first week of December, HRAB urged tourists to plan ahead. “If they want to celebrate their Christmas here, they really have to book early so they have a guaranteed place to stay,” Pinero reminded.
He also encouraged visitors to properly plan their trip to avoid inconvenience.
However, the association also warned about the rise of transient scams in the city.
Lubina advised tourists to verify establishments with the local tourism office and check business permits to avoid fake transactions. “There are many scammers now who want deposits right away,” he said.
Pinero reiterated the warning, saying scammers often offer deals that seem “too good to be true” and pressure guests to pay through untraceable methods.
Traffic congestion is also expected to be closely monitored as more travellers head to the city for the holiday season.
