TripAdvisor will begin adding badges to its hotel webpages to alert potential guests to any reports of sexual assault and other crimes that wouldn't otherwise show up in reviews, according to CBS News.
"These badges will remain on TripAdvisor for up to three months; however, if the issues persist we may extend the duration of the badge. These badges are intended to be informative, not punitive," a TripAdvisor spokesperson told CBS.
At least three Mexican hotels received the badge Wednesday, the spokesperson confirmed.
"TripAdvisor has been made aware of recent media reports or events concerning this property which may not be reflected in reviews found on this listing," the badge states. "Accordingly, you may wish to perform additional research for information about this property when making your travel plans."
The new addition comes on the heels of a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report in which TripAdvisor was accused of removing reviews and comments regarding guest safety, deeming them "off-topic" or not "family-friendly." The report cites two women who were sexually assaulted at the same resort in Mexico and subsequently had their comments dismissed as "hearsay" and removed from TripAdvisor.
According to CBS, the website has also made "changes in order to be more clear about the reasons the review doesn't meet guidelines and what part of it is in violation."
Miami-based attorney, Gary Davidson, who specializes in travel law, told the Journal Sentinel that TripAdvisor has an ethical obligation to warn travelers about potential risks in a particular destination. However, the company differs from travel agencies in that it doesn't have a legal obligation to do so.
Davidson points out that travel agents have a legal duty to disclose that information to their clients when they're aware of any risks. Otherwise, they can be held liable for "failure to warn."
In July, the U.S. State Department alerted Americans to allegations that tainted or low-quality alcohol had caused some tourists visiting Mexico to become sick.
"There have been allegations that consumption of tainted or substandard alcohol has resulted in illness or blacking out. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill," the department stated on its Bureau of Consular Affairs website under its safety and security guidance for the country.
In August, Mexican officials raided 31 locations in the popular tourist hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen in a crackdown on illegal alcohol.
"It's important to emphasize that our vigilance is long-lasting," Mexican commissioner of sanitary operations Alvaro Perez said during a press conference this past summer. "We will continue to enforce these sanitary measures and will continue to be vigilant to make sure our tourists are confident that the alcohol they are drinking is safe...and they can have a safe and healthy family vacation."
Travelers are always encouraged to consult a travel agent and perform their due diligence when making travel plans.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
