DOT to start global quality standard testing on local tourism enterprises

MANILA, Philippines - Travelers to the Philippines will soon be guided with a globally-accepted quality standards for tourism enterprises, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz told The STAR that 10 international accommodation assessors would start testing quality standards of at least 155 establishments in key cities in Cebu, Bohol, Palawan and Davao.

 â€œAssessors from Australia, United Kingdom and Canada are here in the country to conduct the training and help in the assessment process of the quality standards. Within this week, they will be able to go to the study areas,” he said.

Corpuz said the assessors would rate the establishments based on a new set of criteria which will include service standards. In the past, the establishments were only assessed based on physical facilities.

 â€œThe new component will include the evaluation and assessment of hospitality, efficiency and food services rendered by these establishments from front desk, housekeeping, kitchen… to give our tourists an utmost satisfactory experience,” he said.

The assessment of the quality standards was introduced by the DOT to ensure they adhere to global practices.

The Hotel and Resorts Quality Assurance and Accreditation System (HRQAAS)is an objective and internationally recognized guide that seeks to assist visitors in terms of the quality, service, and comfort provided by accommodation businesses of all sizes and types in the Philippines.

After the system is applied and tested in 155 pilot hotels and resorts located in the country’s main tourist destinations in Cebu, Bohol, Davao, and Palawan, DOT will expand its coverage nationwide.

Forming part of the Philippines Improving Competitiveness in Tourism program, the international assessment is one of the outputs identified in the $7.1-million assistance funded by the government of Canada and administered by the Asian Development Bank.

The project also focuses on assisting local governments to reduce red tape affecting businesses operating in the tourism sector and rolling out a tourism industry skills development program.

Under the HRQAAS, the 10 international assessors will specifically undergo an orientation, along with DOT area officers and industry third-party auditors, on the new standards to prepare for joint pilot assessments.

Apart from focusing on quality over and above the provision of facilities and services, accommodations will also be graded according to their environmental practices, comparative review against international quality assurance systems, and overall guest experience from their arrival until their departure.