Photo courtesy of Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay/PNA
Tourism businesses in Antique are getting easier access to government accreditation as the Department of Tourism brings application and inspection services directly to communities across the province.
Through its four-day “Accreditation on Wheels,” DOT Western Visayas personnel are assisting hotels, resorts, other tourism establishments and tour guides seeking official accreditation.
The mobile setup allows stakeholders to check requirements, file applications and arrange inspections closer to their businesses instead of traveling farther to complete the process.
DOT 6 Training and Accreditation Officer Diane Tajanlangit said accreditation also opened access to technical assistance, including support involving online bookings and refunds.
Accredited businesses may also qualify for free DOT training and could be recommended for inclusion in tour packages, according to Antique tourism officials.
Provincial Tourism Promotions Officer Celestino Dalumpines IV said expanding accreditation could also help the province obtain more reliable tourist arrival data from establishments and tour guides.
The service opened in San Jose de Buenavista on Tuesday and was scheduled to move to San Remigio on Wednesday before proceeding to other selected municipalities.
The accreditation campaign forms part of Tourism Month activities this September, with the province seeking to encourage more tourism businesses to meet DOT standards.