By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA
CITY – “We are campaigning for accreditation of
tourism-related establishments because if they are not accredited, they could
not avail of government programs”,
Department of Tourism IX Regional Director Mary June Bugante said during an
interview with local media here.
Bugante said being accredited with
DOT has additional perks like being included in DOT programs and promotional
materials, and will also be prioritized for trainings.
However, Bugante said they still have
to convince most establishments in the city and the entire region for
accreditation as most are not keen on this program.
“Most of them don’t see any reason to
be accredited because they are doing
well whether they are accredited or not”, she said.
Bugante, however, said the government
is intensifying its drive to encourage businesses or establishments to be
accredited with DOT. She said accommodation businesses like hotels, travel inns
and the like, including travel tour
operators should be accredited while restaurants and other food businesses are
optional.
As per DOT IX record, there are at
least 200 tourism-related businesses in Zamboanga Peninsula, with around 100
based in Zamboanga City. They are targeting at least 30% of these to be
accredited. (PIA9)