DOT asked to act vs illegal tour operators

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council’s committee on tourism has asked the Department of Tourism and the city tourism commission to take immediate action against the proliferation of illegal tour operators and tour guides that are taking away potential earnings of legitimate travel agencies.

In his report, Councilor Alvin Dizon, vice chairman of the committee on tourism, recommended to the DOT and the Cebu City Tourism Commission to look into the complaints of the Cebu Association of Tour Guides.

CAT-G earlier complained to Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña about the proliferation of illegal tour operators and tour guides in the city. The legitimate tour operators are asking the City Council to formulate legislative measures that will eliminate the illegal activities of unaccredited tour operators and tour guides because it has affected their business.

Dizon said that the DOT and the city tourism commission should hold dialogue with CAT-G members to identify solutions to the problem and come up with proposals how to strengthen their association against illegitimate operators.

Dizon said that unlicensed tour operators and tour guides can compromise the tourism industry.

“It is unfair to tour guides and operators who comply with the mandated requirements and pay the necessary fees and taxes,” Dizon said.

Under the Cebu City Ordinance 1434, it is unlawful for any individual to engage in business and occupation of a tour guide without having been affiliated with accredited and licensed travel agencies.

The legitimate tour operators and guides are required to undergo trainings administered by the DOT. They also need to secure permits from the Cebu City Tourism Council.

Legitimate tour operators want the city to create a policy that will implement in the local level the Tourism Act of 2009 which requires tour operators to be accredited to protect the industry and prevent profiteers from taking advantage.

The group is doing monitoring and have listed names with corresponding incident reports on the day that these unaccredited tourist operators were spotted.

Dizon also recommended the review of the existing tourism ordinance in order to identify how to make the ordinance more relevant and responsive to the new challenges currently faced by the tourism industry. —/FPL (FREEMAN)