By Hanah Tabios The tourism department reiterates that no business establishments, may it be hotels or resorts, can operate during the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) without securing first a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism (DOT). Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat
(CZAR DANCEL / MANILA BULLETIN) Tourism chief Berna-Romulo Puyat is continuously reminding all tourism stakeholders, particularly hotel and resort entrepreneurs to secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate before going back to business now that some parts of the country, especially those with renowned local travel destinations, have already transitioned to a more relaxed quarantine guidelines. “All accommodation establishments that intend to commence commercial operations in community quarantine zones, whether for the accommodation of guests or operations of in-house food facilities for take–out or delivery, shall secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate prior to any operations,” she said. Prior to this, the DOT had earlier released Administrative Order 2020-002, otherwise known as the Guidelines on the Operations of Hotels and other Accommodation Establishments under a Community Quarantine. Among the prerequisites for the resumption of businesses is the said certification where the application is free of charge. Commercial establishments are only required to submit pertinent documents, such as a letter of intent to operate, to the regional tourism office with jurisdiction over the area. If an accommodation establishment is non-DOT accredited, the business owner must submit a duly accomplished application for DOT accreditation with supporting documents. The tourism secretary said those who fail to acquire such and pursue the operation of business will be subjected to relevant penalties under applicable laws. Puyat warned that even with the resumption of tourism-related business operations, those establishments who are caught engaging in opportunistic acts, such as surge or increase in rates, will no longer be able to operate as the DOT can revoke their certification. The DOT strongly encourages business owners to offer the lowest possible rates despite the challenging scenario. “We could remove their certificate to operate so they won’t be in business anymore,” she said during Tuesday’s first virtual press conference with the media. As of Wednesday, June 3, among those who successfully acquired the prerequisite requirement are the nine tourism establishments in the island province of Catanduanes. These are:

• Alon Surf Stay
• Kemji Resort and Hotel
• Virac Hometel
• Catanduanes Twin Rock and Beach Resort
• Rhaj Inn and Executive Apartelle
• Marem Pension House
• Queen Maricel Inn
• ARDCI Corporate Inn
• Villa Tolledo Tourist Inn

This, as the whole Bicol region is now under MGCQ. Read more: Hotels, resorts in Catanduanes allowed to partially re-open Meanwhile, Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) President Jose Clemente III sees “optimism on the continuing commitment of accommodation establishments to support a safe tourist experience and ensure healthy travel.” As the tourism industry focuses on the revival of domestic tourism, all concerned establishments are required to comply with the DOT Health and Safety Guidelines for Accommodation Establishments under the new normal scenario based on protocols issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH). Puyat also reiterated that tourism stakeholders must closely coordinate with their respective local government units in the assessment of the actual readiness of their areas to support resumption of tourism activities.