DILG to LGUs: Only DOT-accredited tourism businesses must get permits

FILE PHOTO: These tourists enjoy a walk with their pet along Boracay’s white sand beach. Since travel restrictions have been eased, the island resort in Malay, Aklan, has been seeing a steady increase in visitors, most of them local tourists. INQUIRER FILES / JACK JARILLA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded local government units (LGUs) to only issue permits to tourism establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. issued this notice following the easing of COVID-19 curbs, particularly on the use of face masks, which is seen to cause an influx in the tourism sector.

He noted Republic Act 9593 or “The Tourism Act of 2009” which requires DOT accreditation before issuing a license or permit to operate primary tourism enterprises (PTE) by the LGUs.

“Despite the evident booming of our tourism sector following the lull due to the pandemic, PTEs must still abide by tourism laws and regulations,” the DILG chief said in a statement.

PTEs refer to establishments such as hotels, resorts, and homestays; travel and tour services such as travel and tour agencies and tour operators; tourist transport operators, be it land, water, and air; meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE); tourism frontliners or tour guides, among others.

“We must be strict in ensuring that our policies are being fully exercised and complied with… Tourism enterprises who fail to act on their deficiencies within a reasonable period may face closure,” Abalos also said. — with reports from Trisha Manalaysay, trainee

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