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[av_heading heading=’DOT disowns Boracay ‘commissioners’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY BOY RYAN ZABAL
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Monday, January 23, 2017
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Tourists walk by the white-sand beach of Boracay. The Department of Tourism has received complaints from tourists regarding the “exorbitant” fees the so-called “commissioners” charge them. AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL
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BORACAY – The so-called “tour coordinators” operating in this island resort — more commonly known as “commissioners” — are not affiliated with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
And without permits from the municipal government of Malay, working as a tour coordinator or commissioner is illegal.
Kristoffer Leo Velete, in charge of the local DOT office, clarified that the Tourism department is not issuing licenses to such workers.
But the DOT accredits tour guides after undergoing the department’s 21-day seminar.
The Tourism department provides tour guides seeking accreditation courses on the latest trends in tourism services.
Commissioners, on the other hand, are allowed to provide services as long as they secure local government permits.
Velete said the DOT has received complaints from tourists regarding the “exorbitant” fees commissioners charge them.
Local authorities are cracking down on vendors and commissioners operating at the beaches without permits. They have recently seized brochures and other marketing materials and souvenir items.
Meanwhile tour guides were encouraged to seek DOT accreditation or renew their accreditation.
“May mga tour guides sa Boracay, hindi naman karamihan, na hindi pa naka-renew ng kanilang accreditation,” Velete told this reporter in a phone interview.
Velete assured that accredited tour guides — who are issued certificates of accreditation and identification cards —deliver excellent tourism services. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
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