By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA
MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday reiterated calls from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to all local government units (LGUs) to ensure the accreditation of primary tourism enterprises (PTEs) in their respective areas.
In a memorandum issued last week, the DILG reiterated Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 that requires PTEs, such as hotels, resorts, inns, and other accommodation establishments, to secure accreditation from the DOT for the issuance of a license or permit to operate.
“This is a welcome development as it further establishes the relevance of the DOT Accreditation among PTEs, which includes travel and tour agencies, tourist transport operators, tourism front-liners, and convention and exhibition organizers,” the DOT said in a statement.
The DOT accreditation is a certification issued to tourism enterprises after having complied with minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services.
The DILG memorandum states that “LGUs have to ensure that all PTEs have complied with and have obtained DOT accreditation before operations.”
The DOT, through its regional offices, expressed “excitement” to work with the LGUs in ensuring strict compliance by tourism enterprises with accreditation rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, it vowed to continue working on the following shared responsibilities as mandated by the Tourism Act of 2009: LGU capacity-building in partnership with the private sector, travel advisories, local tourism promotion, resources inventory, destination development, standard setting, and regulatory enforcement.
According to the agency, a total of 6,108 primary tourism enterprises and 772 secondary tourism enterprises have been accredited nationwide as of December 31 last year.
