Hotel Lobby Tour Sellers: A Classic Scam That Still Catches Travelers

As the busy May holiday travel period begins, a familiar warning is being issued to tourists: be wary of the overly eager 'guide' waiting in your hotel lobby. According to Lusine Kodyakova, Director of the Tourism and Recreation Center, this is a peak season for fraudsters who target new arrivals.

Kodyakova notes that these operators, often working in loose collaboration with hotel staff, use high-pressure tactics. They might insist a traveler will 'miss the real country' without their exclusive tour. In reality, the expert says, these excursions are frequently overpriced, underwhelming trips to standard sights or commission-based shops.

The hallmarks of a scam are consistent, she explains. The seller will avoid official payment channels, insist on cash, and refuse to provide a written contract. Requests for upfront money for 'gas' or 'entrance tickets' without a proper receipt are major red flags.

Kodyakova advises travelers to always book through verified tour operators who work transparently. She recommends doing research ahead of time, checking independent reviews, and asking for recent photos of the actual destinations. A legitimate guide, she stresses, will never pressure you at check-in and will always provide formal documentation for the service.