Module 8 Accreditation of Hospitality and Tourism Related Establishments

Week 14 and 15 Coverage

8.1 Definition of terms
8.2 Star Grading System for hotels, resorts, and apartment hotels
a. Dimensions considered for accreditation
b. Accreditation Process
c. Downgrading of accreditation
d. Cancellation of accreditation
8.3 Supervision of Tourism Related Establishments (TREs)
Learning Objectives
At the end of this topics the student will be able to
1. Provide the definition of tourism related establishments
2. Know the different dimensions considered by the DOT for accrediting the
accommodation sectors
3. Identify the procedure for accreditation, downgrading, and cancellation of accreditation
4. Be familiar with how the tourism related establishments are being supervised

Module Check List

Content Tasks Date Completed
Lesson Read and Understand
Readings Pdf copies of the following:
• DOT Memorandum
Circular 2012-02 and
• Star Rating
Assessment
Procedures
Formative Assessment Answer the Activity

Lesson

The importance of knowing the parameters set forth by the government not only in accrediting,
but also maintaining the accreditation is crucial for future tourism related establishment (TRE)
owners and managers, to ensure that the facilities, amenities, and services that are being provided
are within the standards set forth by the Department of Tourism.

The following are vital knowledge that this module seeks to impart to the future tourism movers
and shakers:

What are the advantages if a TRE is accredited?

How would the TRE secure a DOT accreditation?
How would the TRE maintain a DOT accreditation?
What are the grounds for cancellation or downgrading of DOT accreditation?
The procedures for cancellation and downgrading of DOT accreditation?

Meaning of Accreditation
In sec 2(a) DOT Memorandum Circular No. 2012-02 Accreditation refers to a certification issued
by the Department to a tourism enterprise that officially recognizes it as having complied with the
minimum standards for the operation of tourism facilities and services

The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for a period of two (2) years, unless sooner revoked
by the Department as stated in Book IV Rule VI sec 4 of the DOT Memorandum Circular No.
2012-02
Definition of terms

1. “Apartment Hotel” shall refer to serviced apartments offering self-contained units that
contain access to kitchen and laundry facilities. A number of bedrooms may share one
bathroom in the unit;
2. “Hotel” shall refer to full service accommodation with reception and guest rooms
generally offering private facilities with an onsite restaurant, room and bar services
available. Additional facilities such as business centres and conference rooms are
expected;
3. “Primary tourism enterprises” refers to travel and tour services; land, sea and air transport
services exclusively for tourist use; accommodation establishments; convention and
exhibition organizers; tourism estate management services; and such other enterprises as
may be identified by the Secretary, after due consultation with concerned sectors;
4. “Resort” shall refer to full service accommodation located in a more natural, relaxed
environment, with reception and guest rooms generally offering private facilities with an
onsite restaurant, room and bar service available. Additional recreation facilities and tour
services are expected;
5. “Tourism enterprises” refers to facilities, services and attractions involved in tourism,
such as, but not limited to: travel and tour services; tourist transport services, whether for
land, sea or air transportation; tour guides; adventure sports services involving such
sports as mountaineering, spelunking, scuba diving, and other sports activities of
significant tourism potential; convention organizers; accommodation establishments,
including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, apartelles, tourist inns, motels, pension
houses, and home stay operators; tourism estate management services, restaurants, shops
and department stores, sports and recreational centers, spas, museums and galleries,
theme parks, convention centers and zoos;

Accreditation of Lodging Establishments – hotels, resorts, and apartment hotels

The seven dimensions that the DOT considers and are being given points to eventually determine
hotel and resort accreditation standards based on the Star Grading System:

1. Arrival / Departure
2. Public Areas
3. Bedroom
4. Bathroom
5. Food and Beverage
6. Amenities and Services
7. Business Practices
 8. The eight dimensions that the DOT considers and are being given points to eventually
determine apartment hotel accreditation standards based on the Star Grading System:
1. Arrival / Departure
2. Public Areas
3. Bedroom
4. Bathroom
5. Lounge and Sitting Area
6. Kitchen Area
7. Amenities and Services
8. Business Practices

Note:
There are different checklist that would determine the classification of hotels, resorts, and
apartment hotels.

Five Star Grading System. There are five (5) levels of accommodation standards ranging from one
to five stars. The star bands for Hotels, Resorts and Apartment Hotels are as follows:

Star Rating Percentage Points

One Star 25-40% 251 to 400 points
Two Star 41-55% 401 to 550 points
Three Star 56-70% 551to700 points
Four Star 71 – 85% 701to 850 points
Five Star 86 – 100% 851 to 1000 points

Star Rating and its description

Star Rating Description

One Star These enterprises appeal to budget minded travelers. There is a
limited range of facilities and services.
Two Star These enterprises appeal to the tourists seeking more than basic
accommodation. They offer expanded facilities and higher
level of comfort
Three Star These enterprises offer a very good level of accommodation.
There are more spacious public areas, higher quality facilities
and a greater range of services.
Four Star These properties are upscale in all areas. Accommodation is
refined and stylish. Service is responsive, often including an
extensive array of facilities.
Five Star These properties reflect the characteristics of luxury and
sophistication. The facilities are world class in every manner
and the meticulous service exceeds all guest expectations.
Accreditation Process under Book IV Rule VI secs 1-5 are as follows:

Step 1

Filing of Application

Who can apply for accreditation?

Any person, partnership, corporation or other entity desiring to operate a primary tourism
enterprise as defined herein shall secure an accreditation from the Department. Application for
accreditation shall be accomplished online.

Step 2

Documentary Requirements

The Department shall issue a List of Documentary Requirements to be complied with by applicants
as part of the accreditation process

Step 3

Payment of fees as determined and provided by the DOT

Step 4

Inspection

An Inspection team shall conduct an audit of the establishment to determine its classification.

An oversight committee from the Department shall conduct periodic inspection of the classified
establishment.

Step 5

Issuance of Certificate of accreditation as the DOT may deemed fit

Note:

The Certificate of Accreditation shall be valid for a period of two (2) years, unless sooner revoked
by the Department.

Cancellation and / or Downgrading of DOT Accreditation under Book V, Rule VII of DOT
Memorandum Circular No. 2012-02.

Cancellation and/or Downgrading of Accreditation

The following acts or omissions are sufficient grounds for the revocation or cancellation of
accreditation:

1. Making any false declaration or statement or documents for the purpose of obtaining the
issuance of accreditation;
2. Failure to comply with or contravene any of the conditions set forth in the certificate of
accreditation;
3. Failure to maintain the standards and requirements for the operation of the establishment;
4. Allowing or permitting the establishment or its facilities to be used for prostitution
particularly those involving children or any illegal, immoral or illicit activities; and
5. Violation of or non-compliance with any of the provisions of these rules, promulgated
orders, decisions and circulars issued by the Department and other concerned government
agencies.

Procedure for Cancellation and/or Downgrading of Accreditation

• Assessors shall submit a report with recommendations based on the inspection findings
to the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulation (OTSR).
• The OTSR shall then send a letter to the concerned enterprise regarding its deficiencies,
specifying a grace period of a minimum of 3 months within which to rectify such
findings.
• Non-compliance within the allotted grace period may result in the cancellation and/or
downgrading of accreditation of the concerned enterprise.
• The Department shall likewise inform the concerned local government unit regarding the
accreditation status of the enterprise.

Supervision of Tourism Related Establishments (TREs)

The DOT shall be responsible to supervise TREs, in this topic we shall know about the visitorial
powers of the DOT to periodically inspect TREs, what would be done when defects and
deficiencies are found during inspection, and the penalty for failure to remedy the defects.

Periodic Inspection

• The Department may send an inspection team to the establishment for the purpose of
finding out whether it is being kept and/or managed in a manner conformable to the
standards set by the Department.
• The inspection shall be conducted at a reasonable time of the day with due regard and
respect accorded to the right to privacy of parties concerned.

Defects and Deficiencies Found During the Inspection

• Where certain defects and deficiencies have been found in the course of inspection, the
Department shall give direction to the keeper, manager or operator to rectify the defects or
deficiencies within a reasonable period of time.
Penalty for Failure to Remedy the Defects, etc

• If the management fails to remedy the defects or deficiencies, the Department may
withdraw the certificate of accreditation of the establishment.

Noted:
• The valid DOT accreditation seal shall be displayed in a conspicuous place of the
establishment.
• The rights and privileges over the accreditation shall be non-transferable.
• All DOT accredited hotels, resorts, tourist inns, and apartment hotels which shall
advertise its business or services through print media must specify in the advertisement
item the DOT accreditation number of their establishments.

Benefits and Incentives of Accreditation

• Endorsement to embassies and travel trade association/s for utilization of
establishment’s facilities and services
• Eligibility for participation in travel fairs
• Priority to DOT Training programs
• Endorsement to international airports for issuance of access pass to qualified
personnel for 2 years accredited tour operators & accommodation establishments only
• Endorsement to COMELEC for exemption from liquor ban during election-related
events (for accommodation establishments and restaurants only)
• Free online/print advertising in national dailies
• Promotion of events in Facebook Page and other social media sites

References
http://accreditationonline.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadables/Standards/NewAcreditationStandards.pdf
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/downloadable%20files/BenefitsAndIncentivesOfAccreditation2017.pdf