Regulatory fees for ‘SanRem’ tourism spots eyed
Are you planning to hit the white sand beaches of San Remigio this summer?
If so, visitors might have to include in their budget plan the regulatory fees for tourist spots in the northern town.
In its regular session on Jan. 11, the San Remigio Municipal Council approved en masse an ordinance prescribing regulatory fees for tourism properties, place equipment, costumes, a tourist spot entrance fee and other tourism user’s fees.
The measure was approved by San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez on Jan. 15.
But before it can be fully implemented, the town will have to wait for the comments and recommendations of the Provincial Board (PB).
In its regular session on Monday, March 4, the PB referred the ordinance to the committee on ways and means.
“(The Municipality of ) San Remigio, Cebu has been identified as one of the most visited places by tourists in the whole Region 7. There is a need to regulate the tourism industry in order to maintain the momentum and sustain the interest of the tourists to continue visiting the town,” reads a portion of the measure.
Situated approximately 91.6 kilometers from Cebu City, San Remigio has the longest shoreline of any town in the province.
It boasts several beach resorts, as well as public beaches with long stretches of white sand and clear sea, making it one of the top swimming and diving destinations in the country.
The ordinance will cover all public municipal tourism properties, which include the Bahay Kubo, larsian-style stall, kayak and stand-up paddle equipment, scuba diving equipment and other tourism properties.
Under the ordinance, accommodation establishments operating dive shops are mandated to employ a life guard accredited by the Philippine Red Cross.
The dive shop shall be managed by a member of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and provide inclusive insurance for divers.
Annual charges for an operator include dive shop operation at P5,000, life guard accreditation at P1,000 and inspection at P500.
Meanwhile, farm tourism and other farm agricultural enterprise establishments catering to tourists shall charge an annual fee or tax to supplement other sources of revenues for operations and maintenance of the Municipal Tourism Office.
Section 10, Article 6 of the ordinance provides the user’s and rental fees, and charges for visitors per property.
A solo traveler may rent a kayak for P300/hour, while a group of two can enjoy kayaking at P400/hour.
If you prefer stand-up paddling, you may rent the paddleboard for P500/hour.
For those who wish to spend their day at the Bahay Kubo, rental fee is P350 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those who would like to spend the night at the Bahay Kubo between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m. will have to pay a P500 rental fee.
The entrance fee for the board walk is P50, while those who plan to do business at San Remigio’s larsian-style stall can rent a unit for P1,200 excluding water and power supply.
Violators of the ordinance will have to pay a fine ranging from P500 to P2,500.