ILOILO City — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Western Visayas has intensified its campaign for safer and more reliable travel by urging tourists and the public to transact only with DOT-accredited tourism enterprises, warning that accreditation remains the best guarantee of quality service, legitimate business operations, and secure tourism transactions.
DOT Region 6 released its latest list of newly accredited and renewed tourism enterprises in Western Visayas and Negros Occidental for July through its official Facebook page, “Department of Tourism-Western Visayas Office.”
“The public is advised to patronize only DOT-accredited tourism enterprises to ensure quality tourism services, safe and reliable transactions, and compliance with the standards set by the Department of Tourism,” the agency said.
The appeal specifically targets travelers booking accommodations, dining at local restaurants, arranging tours, or visiting tourist destinations, emphasizing that accreditation serves as a seal of compliance with the agency’s quality and safety standards.
According to DOT-6, accredited tourism enterprises provide quality-assured services, safe, secure and reliable transactions, and professional standards that visitors can trust.
“Support tourism businesses committed to delivering exceptional experiences — and enjoy every journey with confidence and peace of mind,” the agency added.
Among the newly accredited and renewed tourism enterprises from July 1 to 16, 2026 are establishments and tourism frontliners from Aklan, Boracay Island, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo Province, Iloilo City, Negros Occidental, and Bacolod City. These include resorts, hotels, travel and tour operators, transport providers, restaurants, event management firms, convention facilities, and tourism-related service providers.
The agency also reminded travelers that being prepared is just as important as choosing accredited tourism providers.
“From understanding basic safety protocols to knowing how to respond during natural hazards and other unexpected situations, preparedness plays a vital role in creating safer, more resilient, and sustainable tourism experiences for everyone,” DOT-6 said.
As part of its travel safety campaign, DOT-6 advised tourists to bring a standard travel go-bag containing drinking water, a power bank and a basic first-aid kit, identify emergency exits and evacuation routes upon checking into accommodations, and keep offline digital copies of valid identification cards and travel itineraries for easy access during emergencies./PN
