CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – After getting a nod from the Department of Tourism, some 38 tourism-related establishments can now reopen and get back on its feet following months of slump due to the pandemic.
City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan said on Wednesday that all accommodations and tourism-related establishments must first secure accreditation and authority to operate from the DOT prior to the resumption of operations under modified general community quarantine.
The DOT-accredited establishments in the city include seven hotels while those with renewed accreditation are six travel and tour agencies, two tour guides, and one restaurant.
Those newly-accredited by the DOT, on the other hand, include 14 Mabuhay accommodations, three hotels, two restaurants, one tour and travel agency, one resort, and one agri-farm tourism site.
Pangilinan said a DOT accreditation certifies that an establishment complies with the minimum standards in its operations which shall ensure the safety, comfort, and convenience of guests.
All tourism-related establishments to apply for accreditation.
“As in this time of the pandemic, it allows for many benefits aimed at boosting the sector’s recovery,” Pangilinan said.Among the benefits and incentives that the accredited establishments can enjoy include endorsement to government agencies, embassies, travel trade associations, and other institutions for utilization of establishment’s facilities and services; eligibility for participation in organized travel fairs and events of DOT and its attached agencies; priority to DOT training programs. (PNA)