BPOLBF Will Investigate Alleged Fraud Travel Agents In Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo/dock via ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Managing Director of the Executing Agency for the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority (BPOLBF) Shana Fatina said her party would investigate allegations of fraud by travel agents against a group of tourists in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

As is known, there was news from TikTok artist Kelly Courtney who claimed to be scammed by a travel agent of Rp. 12 million for a three-day and two-night tour for six packs in Labuan Bajo.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, as well as the loss caused by the tourist group that is currently happening in Labuan Bajo," said Shana in a written statement quoted by Antara, Tuesday, February 15.

Currently, it is said that his party is coordinating with local authorities so that this case is immediately investigated and the perpetrators are dealt with firmly.

Based on the request of the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, BPOLBF was assigned to follow up on the alleged fraud case experienced by the TikTok artist considering the incident could tarnish Labuan Bajo's good name as one of the leading tourism destinations.

Shana stated that tourists must have a reference list of official travel agents/tour operators in carrying out travel activities.

"We have recorded official travel agents that can be accessed by fellow tourists. We have prepared this data through online registration access to facilitate tourist access to official travel agents and at the same time our efforts to prevent tourists from things that harm them while on vacation to Labuan Bajo, " he said.

Previously, there was also a case of alleged fraud in Labuan Bajo. This has been taken seriously by the local authorities who continue to strive to ensure the safety of potential tourists by appealing not to always be tempted by cheap prices, but also to ensure the legality of the travel agent to be used.

"So far, we have recorded that there are at least 263 official travel agents that can be used as recommendations for safe vacation recommendations for tourists," said the BPOLBF President Director.

For tourists who want to vacation in Labuan Bajo, he continued, they can view references and register at registration.labuanbajoflores.id.