Seek accreditation, Negros tourism enterprises told
BACOLOD City – The Department of Tourism ( DOT) in Western Visayas urged tourism enterprises i n Ne g r o s Occ i de n t a l and in this capital city to seek accreditation to be officially recognized for their compliance with the minimum standards f or operation.
DOT Region 6’ s Tourism Regulation Division continue t o receive applications through its “Accreditation on Wheels” program as part of the ongoing Lakbayanihan Tourism Fair 2022 until May 29 at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central here.
DOT- 6 director Cristine Mansinares said through the initiative, they aim to assist tourism enterprises in complying with travel safety standards.
“Let us continue to promote a safe, fun and sustainable tourism,” she said.
So far, some 270 tourism enterprises i n Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are already accredited, the second- highest in Western Visayas.
To apply for accreditation, a tourism establishment must submit a mayor’s permit and a certification f rom the Department of Trade and Industry or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Those that can apply are primary tourism enterprises such as accommodations, including hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, tourist inns, pension houses, and homestays.
Others i nclude travel and tour services like tour operators, travel agencies, tourist air, land, and water transport providers as well as meetings, i ncentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) organizers and venues.
Under ecotourism, an ecoguide, ecotour facility, and ecotour operator can also apply.
T h o s e c o n s i d e r e d s e c o n d a r y t o u r i s m enterprises can also seek accreditation, i ncluding health and wellness service providers such as ambulatory clinics, spas and medical concierges.
Also qualified to apply are galleries, restaurants, rest areas, and tourism entertainment complex.
Tourism front-liners such as tour guides and tourism t ra i ners can also seek accreditation.