The province of Cavite is widely known to be the top-of-mind destination for Metro Manila dwellers looking for a weekend getaway. For decades, the tranquil area has become a venue for families and friends to bond together and take the break they need from the bustle of the daily life.
Tourism plays a significant role in the local community. Hence, it is only fitting to ensure the quality of the tourist’s experience in the region.
In lieu of this goal, the Cavite Provincial Tourism Office encourages friends in the travel and leisure industry to be part of its collaborative project with the Department of Tourism (DOT) called ‘Accreditation on Wheels’.
On its opening year, the campaign will be held in Trece Martires City on September 28-29, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at varying locations — Cavite Collaboration Center, General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital, and Cavite Provincial Tourism Office, 2/F Provincial Capitol Building respectively. The 2-day affair presents a simpler and faster accreditation process for travel and tourism-related businesses in the province.
In an industry that is competitive and fast-paced, DOT intends to improve local government units in monitoring the operations of travel enterprises and adequately act on criticisms following the current rules and regulations which decrees the accreditation of tourism establishments.
It is stated in the Republic Act 9353, otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 2009, that DOT is mandated to implement “a comprehensive system of mandatory accreditation for primary tourism enterprises and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises”. Under primary tourism enterprises are hotels, resorts, and other accommodation businesses, travel and tour services, tourist transport assistance, tour guides, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities among others.
For applicants, it is advised to bring the necessary documents such as valid Mayor’s permit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Accreditation (single proprietorship) or SEC Registration Certificate and Articles of Incorporation and by-laws (for corporate and cooperatives), notarized list of all employees with TIN, designation, and nationality.
On top of these initial requirements, additional documents must be submitted from accommodation establishments, spas, tourist transport services, and tour guides. Kindly refer to the chart below for information.
| Hotel inn, hotel and resorts | -Comprehensive Liability Insurance Policy Premium with a minimum coverage of PHP 200,000 for tourist inn, and PHP 500,000 for each hotel and resort. |
| Spa | -Valid Department of Health (DOH) license for duly registered massage therapist and massage supervisors; -Government permit and list of employees. |
| Tourist Land Transport Operators | -Valid LTFRB Tourist Transport Service Franchise and LTO Registration of the vehicles are required; -Valid NAIA Concession Agreement for Tourist Coupon/Metered Taxi Operator; -Proof of attendance to DOT conducted seminar for tourist drivers. |
| Tour guides | -Valid occupational/working permit (except for Senior Citizens); -Certificate of training to the tour guide seminar conducted by DOT or DOT-accredited training center; -Valid health/medical certificate; -NBI clearance. |
| Agri-tourism farm/sites and restaurants, tourist recreation centers | -Valid government issued permit (for single proprietor, corporation and cooperative); -List of employees (with TIN, etc). |
| Travel and tour agency | -Proof of a working capital of PHP500,000 (for corporations, partnerships, this is for paid up/partners capital, while single proprietors are required to submit original copy certification with cheque writer, proof of 3 years minimum managerial experience in Travel and Tour Agency or proof of passing the Travel and Tour Agency Management Training of the DOT (for General Managers). |
*Note: For enterprises with branch offices, an affidavit executed by the General Manager declaring the existence of their branch office/s is/are required.
The DOT-accreditation guarantees safety and protection among the tourists, the service provider, and the environment especially at this time of modern technology.
While the internet has proven its dominance not only as a source of information but as a channel of influence as well, Cavite Tourism tackles the effects of technology to the travel industry.
In a discussion entitled ‘Tourism Forum: Tourism and the Digital Transformation’, Cavite Tourism joins travel managers, business leaders, and tourism experts to share the possibilities and hurdles that digital platforms present for the tourism development. The forum happens on October 12 at 8 AM to 5 PM in Lyceum of the Philippines-Cavite.
For more details, contact the Cavite Provincial Tourism office through telephone number (+6346) 419 4357. (Louise Santiano)
PRINTING AND BINDING OF LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS FOR USE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN