In Northern Samar
CATARMAN, Northern Samar- The regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) conducted an orientation to the tourism establishments in the province regarding the new guidelines for accreditation in order to maintain and ensure compliance with international standards of excellence in local tourism facilities.
The event was done in partnership with the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism Office.
Participants of the said orientation were enterprise/establishment owners and tourism officers on the DOT accreditation procedure during the 9th DOT Accreditation Caravan held on November 15.
The DOT accreditation caravan aimed to promote the importance of the DOT accreditation and encourage stakeholders or establishment owners to maintain and improve the quality of their property’s facilities and services.
Rodel Balierbare, DOT senior tourism operations officer, thanked the participants for attending the seminar and to collaborate with the provincial government and their office.
He also emphasized the need for the DOT and LGUs to strictly comply the tourism enterprises regarding the accreditation rules and regulations, under Section 5 of the RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009.
The DOT now adopts the progressive accreditation system (PAS) which starts from basic accreditation, and moves to regular accreditation, then the star rating system.
PAS is a three-level recognition scheme for primary tourism enterprises entailing progressive minimum standards and reflecting customers’ expectations and also accommodating persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Tourism entities and establishments are accredited through the two-fold regulation process – the physical requirements (amenities and facilities they offer, among others) and the legal requirements.
Tourism development in the province is part of Governor Edwin Ongchuan’s development agenda.
(TITO B. TEPACE with NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
