The Department of Tourism-Central Luzon (DOT-3) is targeting to accredit more tourism enterprises in the region in a bid to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to visitors. DOT-3 Regional Director Richard G. Daenos, in a statement on Monday, cited the importance for establishments to secure accreditation in order to guarantee that protocols enforced by the government for the protection of tourists and the primary tourism establishments (PTEs) themselves are implemented. Daenos said the DOT accreditation is a certification issued by the department that officially recognizes establishments as having complied with the minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services. In 2022, the DOT-3 accredited a total of 893 tourism enterprises in the region. This year, Daenos said the DOT-3 aims to increase its accredited enterprises by at least 20 percent as the tourism industry is bouncing back after the slump due to the Covid-19 pandemic. PTEs are those businesses whose operations are classified as accommodation establishments, travel and tour agencies, online travel agencies, MICE or meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions venues and organizers, tour guides and tourist transport operators (air, land, and water). Secondary tourism enterprises such as restaurants, health and wellness facilities (spas, ambulatory clinics, tertiary hospitals) and museums are also encouraged to apply for DOT accreditation. Last April 26, a DOT accreditation caravan was held in Dingalan, Aurora as part of the DOT-3’s plan to bring the agency’s regulatory services to geographically distant areas. Daenos said the DOT team processed a total of 39 applications during the caravan and subjected these to an evaluation of legal documents and physical inspection. Meanwhile, he urged the public to transact with DOT-accredited establishments to ensure the quality of facilities and services. The DOT official said the public must always look for the quality seal from tourism facilities and service providers

Source: Philippines News Agency