In Lapu-Lapu: Proposed measure wants tourists to pay visitors' fee

A proposed ordinance has been filed at the Lapu-Lapu City council requiring non-resident tourists, who check-in at any accommodation establishments in the city, to pay an environmental and visitor's fee.

Councilor Mario Amores filed the proposal reasoning out that human activities, especially entertainment and leisure, have direct and indirect impacts on the environment, in-land and marine resources.

The proposed measure calls for a P50 ordinary visitor's fee and P500 annual visitor's fee or ticket that a non-resident tourist shall pay as he or she checks-in at an accommodation establishment in the city.

Accommodation establishment refers to hotels, resorts, pension houses, inns or lodging houses and other places temporarily occupied by tourists.

The environmental and visitor's fees shall be collected during check-in or when the visitor avails of the services of a dive-shop-subject to the schedule of fees-otherwise no person shall be allowed to check in or avail of services.

There are exemptions however: All residents of the Cebu province, or people 12 years old and below, or visitors who are at the city for scientific or academic research purposes that have prior consent and authority of the city government.

Senior citizens and students bearing valid school IDs will be given special discounts, the proposed measure said.

The proposal added a penalty clause and, that is, any person who violates the ordinance shall be penalized with a P2,500 fine, and if an accommodation establishment or dive shop owner that admits a non-paying client or visitor shall pay the fees instead.

Amores justified his proposal saying that the city is an international tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors a year because of its historical sites and beautiful natural resources. - Antoniette Parce