Question & AnswerQ&A (DOT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 90-08)
The authority is vested in the Department of Tourism by Executive Order No. 120 to promulgate rules and regulations governing operations and activities of tourism-related entities, including the Resort Code of 1989 amendments.
Resorts are classified into four categories: Class "AAA", Class "AA", Class "A", and Special Interest Resort.
A Special Interest Resort is a resort at suitable seaside, seaborne, mountain, forest, lake, or river sites that provides facilities and equipment for special interest activities such as skin and scuba diving, sailing, water skiing, wildlife observation, cave exploration, tribal visits, safaris, and similar activities. Theme parks like marine/aquarium parks may also qualify.
The camp or ground site must be well-drained, not subject to flooding, located distant from any source of nuisance, and should not endanger sources of water supply or other natural resources.
There must be at least five bedrooms for letting if it is a permanent site. Rooms must be spacious with comfortable beds, clean linens, mirror, and electric fan where electricity is available. For movable operations, at least sixteen guests plus staff must be accommodated in tents or similar structures with appropriate flooring for permanent tents.
Separate clean toilet and bathroom facilities for males and females must be provided with sufficient running water, soap, and toilet paper. Portable chemical toilets or temporary sanitary latrines that meet Philippine standards are required for mobile groups.
Sufficient number of trained, experienced, courteous, and efficient staff must be employed, always wearing clean uniforms. Front-line staff must have a good speaking knowledge of English.
Class "AAA" requires P100,000, Class "AA" requires P50,000, Class "A" requires P20,000, and Special Interest Resorts require P20,000.
Registration fees: Class "AAA" P5,000, Class "AA" P3,000, Class "A" P1,500, Special Interest Resort P1,500. Annual license fees: Class "AAA" P2,000, Class "AA" P1,000, Class "A" P500, Special Interest Resort P500.
The amendments took effect immediately upon adoption on August 9, 1990.