DOT-7 deploys mobile accreditation facilities

The Department of Tourism (DOT-7) will be deploying mobile accreditation facilities across Central Visayas region.

DOT-7 regional director Shalimar H. Tamano said his office has already activated a mobile accreditation facility in Bantayan Island in northern Cebu to provide easier access for small tourism related establishments to get DOT accreditation.

"We don’t expect small players to come to Cebu [regional office] just to get accreditation. We don’t have problems with the big players though because they all have the resources to do so," said Tamano.

Besides, he said it is also important to monitor the small establishments' quality of service and facilities for tourism to flourish especially in the countryside.

This time, tourism-related businesses in the islands or in the far-flung areas don’t have to spend time and money in going to the DOT regional office to get accreditation as it is now reaching out to them.

Since the deployment of the mobile facility, the DOT regional office recorded an increase of 44 percent in accredited tourism facilities like small hotels, dive shops, and other micro and small accommodation facilities.

A growing number of tourism-related businesses now have the stamp of approval from the tourism agency, assuring tourists of safety and quality of service and products.

Aside from Bantayan, DOT-7 already started to deploy tourism inspectors and accreditation officers to Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, he added.

DOT accreditation is a certificate issued by the department recognizing the holder as having complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned, which shall ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of the tourist.

Any establishment or service that serves tourists such as hotels, resorts, apartment hotel, pension house, motorist hotel/motel, homestay, eco-lodge, as well as travel and tour services like transport, tour guides, among others are due for DOT accreditation stamp.