DoT urges tourism-related firms to get accredited

CEBU, Philippines - Following the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 9593 or the National Tourism Act of 2009, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging all tourism-related establishments to get an accreditation to implement a world-class tourism environment in the Philippines.

Phineas Alburo, DOT undersecretary said that it is important for tourism related companies to get accreditation in order to operate an international standard service.

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 9593 are expected to be approved next month and mandatory accreditation will be strictly monitored starting 2010.

“DoT will give a list to the local government units (LGUs) of companies that have not applied for accreditation with the Department and advice them not to renew their Mayor’s permit unless they get themselves accredited,” Alburo said.

The DOT accreditation will not only assure international tourists for good and world-class service, but it will provide a “fair playing field” among tourism related establishments, as it will not discriminate small players.

The accreditation covers accommodation facilities ranging from five-star hotel and resorts to home-stay operators.

Companies that are required to seek accreditation are hotels, pension houses, restaurants, resorts and tourist transportation operators.

The benefit for these industry players, he said, “is for them to maximize their business by being more conscious of what the international market needs.”

“Tourism is more than just a business. It’s a commitment you make to your people, your locality and to the country. When you present the Philippines or your province to these domestic and foreign tourists, you do so with pride. That is why it is very important to be accredited,” Alburo said.

He bared that once the IRR is approved by Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the DoT will convene a Tourism Congress before yearend to elect in full the board of directors of the Tourism Promotions Board.

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview with DOT secretary Joseph Ace Durano urged tourism-related establishments especially hotels, and resorts in Cebu to brace themselves in the influx of wealthy or high-end tourists that will boost Cebu's tourism, amid the global economic turbulence.

Durano said it is important that tourism facilities in Cebu will provide a world-class standard of service, while Cebu has become an emerging destination for wealthy travelers around the world.

Because of this, he said Cebu also needs a number of five-star resorts and hotels, to prepare and accommodate the influx of sophisticated tourists.

"For Cebu to become a 'legitimate' world-class destination, we need to have wide choices of five-star to more luxurious accommodations. In this way, it will open up more market seeking for luxurious accommodations," Durano said.