Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has questioned the star rating system and the qualifications of the DOT personnel who conduct the assessment.
DOT officials to explain the system before House committee on tourism
A regional Tourism official yesterday defended the implementation of the star rating system, saying it will make the Philippine hotel and resort sector more globally competitive and bring it up to par with international standards.
“We would really want to be globally competitive. These are the things that DOT (Department of Tourism) would like to be a part of – the leveling up of the industry,” said DOT 7 regional director Rowena Montecillo.
DOT officials are scheduled to appear before the House committee on tourism tomorrow to explain the new star rating system for accommodation facilities.
The committee is looking into the rating system based on a resolution authored by Cebu Rep. (3rd district) Gwendolyn F. Garcia and the complaints of some hotels and resorts.
House Resolution 2503 noted that several establishments have contested the results of their assessments and the need for a star rating system. Several establishments also claimed that “the star rating system implemented by the Department of Tourism is only a waste of time, efforts and government funds.”
The star rating system will align hotels, resorts and apartment hotels with international accommodation standards.
The system will also create a more uniform set of standards for certain types of accommodations in the Philippines, Montecillo said.
To develop and implement the star rating system, the DOT received a grant of $7.1 million from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The grant covers human resources development, standards development and regulatory impact assessment (RIA).
Bohol and Cebu are two of the four pilot areas for the human resources trainings. Other areas are Palawan and Davao.
Montecillo said those who do not agree with the rating given to them by DOT always have the option to contest it.
Establishments are given assessment booklets for them to conduct self-assessment prior to assessment by the agency. DOT will then give the establishments a notice saying that they will be assessed. However, no specific date will be provided.
The assessment team will arrive incognito, and will check in to the establishment for one night. It will then assess the amenities and services, before meeting with the authorized representatives to check on legal documents.
Their findings are submitted to the DOT central office for review. Establishments are also given a copy of the findings and are given 15 days to file a motion for reconsideration should they disagree with the over-all rating.
To ask for reconsideration, an establishment should write to the DOT central office requesting for reassessment and re-audit.
“The biggest problem so far for establishments to comply is access for PWD (persons with disabilities),” Montecillo said. Establishments are given one year to comply with the requirements for PWD access.