Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Accreditation for accommodation establishments with the Department of Tourism, mandatory under the Tourism Act of 2009

This article talks about Republic Act 9593, also known as the Tourism Act of 2009. The new law now makes it mandatory for accommodation establishments (such as hotels, resorts, motels and tourist inns) to apply for accreditation under the Department of Tourism.

Under Section 39 of the Tourism Act of 2009, Primary tourism enterprises shall be periodically required to obtain accreditation from the Department (which refers to the Department of Tourism)as to the quality of their facilities and standard of services. Under the said law, "Primary Tourism Enterprises" refer to travel and tour services; land, sea and air transport services exclusively for tourist use; accommodation establishments; convention and exhibition organizers; tourism estate management services; and such other enterprises as may be identified by the Secretary, after due consultation with concerned sectors."

This means that hotels, including travel agencies and other transport services companies (such as airline companies) will be required to be accredited under the Department of Tourism. Before the law took effect, accreditation is merely on a voluntary basis on the part of the tourism establishments. By reason of the enactment of said law, accreditation on specified establishments is now mandatory.

Take note that the Department of Tourism and the LGUs concerned will have to work hand in hand to make sure that the law will be strictly complied with. Hence, a scenario will take place when LGUs may not grant accommodation establishments or travel agencies the necessary business permit unless they seek accreditation with the Department of Tourism.

This provision is significant to all accommodation establishments, travel agencies and transport services companies who would wish to engage in business.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog for today.

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