Accreditation of Tourism Establishments by the Department of Tourism (DOT) per R.A. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009)

November 10, 2016

CDC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. TFD-16-11-53

 

1. To ensure that existing and upcoming tourism facilities meet international standards, one of the key interventions that CDC identified is to assist DOT Region III in enforcing the DOT accreditation system in accordance with R.A. 9593 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for CDC-registered tourism enterprises in Clark. Per the said law, obtaining DOT accreditation is mandatory for primary tourism enterprises while secondary tourism enterprises are encouraged to secure voluntary DOT accreditation. HTcADC

2. In pursuing this, CDC and DOT Region III have agreed to collaborate on tourism-related activities to effectively implement the provisions of R.A. 9593, particularly in the enforcement of accreditation and subsequent classification (1-5 star rating) of primary tourism enterprises including secondary tourism enterprises inside CFZ/CSEZ.

3. Subsequent activities to be taken jointly by CDC, through the CDC Tourism Promotions Division, and DOT Region III in this regard are the following:

• Regular site inspection and monitoring of facilities and services within CFZ/CSEZ to espouse compliance with the national system of standards of accreditation and classification;

• Formulate and implement programs on tourism development in the CFZ/CSEZ, particularly in the regulation, accreditation and monitoring of the implementation of the national tourism standards, rules and regulations governing the operation and activities of tourism enterprises.

• Regular collection of tourism statistical data such as visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy rate, average length of stay; and if available, data on demographics and profile of visitors in Clark from tourism enterprises on a regular basis for tourism planning purposes. The same has been implemented in 2013 per the attached Memorandum Circular with subject Mandatory Submission of Tourism Statistical Data dated August 15, 2013 disseminated to hotels and theme park operators in Clark.

• Conduct related consultations, seminars and trainings for tourism enterprises and such other guidelines as may be promulgated from time to time.

The CDC Tourism Promotions Division, headed by its Manager Ms. Noemi B. Garcia, may be reached through telephone numbers 045.5996235/5993222 and email: [email protected] for assistance and queries on this matter.

For your information and compliance.

(SGD.) NOEL F. MANANKIL

Officer-in-Charge

Office of the President and Chief Executive Officer