ILOILO City – Local governments and government agencies across Western Visayas are being urged to give preference to Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited establishments and tourism workers, as the agency moves to strengthen consumer protection and ensure that travelers receive services meeting national standards for quality and safety.
The DOT Region 6 called on local government units (LGUs), government offices, institutions and tourism stakeholders to prioritize accredited tourism enterprises and frontliners when arranging accommodations, tours, transportation and other tourism-related activities and engagements.
The push is aimed at steering travelers and government-related tourism activities toward businesses and professionals that have undergone DOT accreditation and comply with prescribed standards on quality, safety, security and service.
“DOT accreditation provides assurance of compliance with applicable standards on quality, safety, security, and service, contributing to better tourism experiences and consumer protection. Together, let us promote quality, safe, and sustainable tourism in Western Visayas,” DOT-6 said in a statement.
The regional office’s appeal is anchored on Republic Act 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, which established accreditation as a mechanism for maintaining standards in the country’s tourism industry.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay issued an endorsement letter through DOT regional offices encouraging tourism stakeholders to patronize accredited enterprises and professionals.
Angara-Mathay described DOT accreditation as a “seal of assurance that tourism enterprises and professionals comply with national standards and are committed to delivering excellent experiences to travelers.”
Among those covered by the accreditation system are primary tourism enterprises, for which accreditation is mandatory, including hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, homestays, travel and tour agencies, tour operators, tourist transport operators and online travel agencies.
The DOT also accredits secondary tourism enterprises on a voluntary basis, including restaurants, specialty shops, theme parks, museums, galleries and other establishments supporting tourism activities.
Tourism frontliners such as accredited tour guides, frontline personnel and other service professionals are likewise covered by the accreditation program.
According to the DOT, choosing accredited establishments and professionals gives consumers greater assurance that facilities, services and personnel comply with its standards.
Accreditation also covers compliance with health, safety and emergency protocols and provides a system of accountability because accredited enterprises and professionals are recognized and monitored by the department.
The program likewise encourages participation in initiatives promoting responsible, inclusive and regenerative tourism.
“We encourage all travelers, institutions, and partners to prioritize DOT-accredited establishments and frontliners in their tourism activities. This collective effort strengthens consumer protection, enhances visitor satisfaction, and contributes to the sustainable growth of Philippine tourism,” Angara-Mathay said.
The DOT maintains an online directory where travelers and institutions can check accredited tourism establishments and professionals nationwide:
https://www.tourism.gov.ph/dot/accredited-establishments /PN
