QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2018-03)
It is issued pursuant to the authority of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009) to maintain international standards in tourism facilities and services and promote the Philippines as a safe and wholesome tourist destination, by implementing a Progressive Accreditation System (PAS) and its guidelines.
PAS is a three-level recognition scheme for Primary Tourism Enterprises with progressive minimum standards reflecting customer expectations: (1) Basic Registration, (2) Regular Accreditation, and (3) Premium Accreditation/Star-Rating Accreditation for covered categories.
Basic Registration is valid for one (1) year; Regular Accreditation for two (2) years; Premium Accreditation and Star-Rating Accreditation for three (3) years, each renewable unless cancelled for a cause.
PAS covers Primary Tourism Enterprises under Section 4.0: Accommodation Establishments, Travel and Tour Agencies (including Online Travel and Tour Agency), Tourist Land Transport Operators, MICE Organizers, and MICE Venue/Facility. Basic Registration applies to primary tourism enterprises except Hotels, Resorts, Apartment Hotels, Homestays, Tourist Land Transport Operators, and Online Travel and Tour Agencies.
Hotel: full service accommodation with reception and guest rooms, generally with private facilities and dining. Resort: full service accommodation in a more natural/relaxed environment with recreation and dining facilities. Apartment Hotel: serviced apartments with self-contained units and access to kitchen/laundry. Mabuhay Accommodation: Tourist Inns, Pension Houses, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Vacation Homes, Hostels, and similar establishments. Homestay: tourists stay with the host family in the same house to experience daily life and local community.
Tour Operator organizes/conducts tours and makes online reservations, arranging/booking transportation and accommodation for a fee/commission/remuneration. Travel Agency provides travel-related services such as reservations/bookings, documentation of travel papers, sale/issuance of tickets, and selling outbound tours for a fee/commission/remuneration.
Online Travel and Tour Agency operates solely through websites and other online platforms dedicated to travel and tour operations, whereas a regular Travel and Tour Agency provides both Tour Operator and Travel Agency services (not necessarily solely online).
Documentary requirements are attached as Annex A; physical requirements are attached as Annex B. The National Accommodation Standards (DOT Memorandum Circular 2012-02) criteria are incorporated by reference for relevant accommodation categories.
The SAF is a checklist/document where applicants pre-determine which accreditation level they qualify for (Basic, Regular, Premium/Star-Rating) by evaluating compliance with DOT’s minimum requirements/standards. It is made available at DOT Regional Offices and on DOT’s website.
Applicants submit a Letter of Intent or SAF to the DOT-Regional Office or file through the Online Accreditation System. An inspection is scheduled and conducted in the presence of the owner/authorized representative. DOT Accreditation Officer discusses findings with the General Manager/Authorized Representative, and both parties sign the Inspection Checklist.
DOT gives the enterprise six (6) months to rectify deficiencies. Failure to comply results in a Notice of Non-Compliance, copy furnished to the concerned LGU.
The Basic Registration Certificate states it does not guarantee the quality of facilities and services of the enterprise. It also requires compliance with DOT and other government rules; any complaint found meritorious by DOT can result in automatic cancellation of Basic Registration.
For Basic Registration, Mabuhay Accommodation registration may be extended for another year upon compliance with at least 50% of the identified physical requirements (marked ***) of regular accreditation, subject to DOT validation. For failure under Star-Rating Premium criteria, an enterprise may be re-categorized into Mabuhay Accommodation subject to inspection.
Premium Accreditation is for tourism enterprises that comply with minimum standards under Regular and Premium Accreditation, and applies broadly except Hotels, Resorts, Apartment Hotels, and Online Travel and Tour Agencies. Star-Rating Accreditation applies only to Hotels, Resorts, and Apartment Hotels based on National Accommodation Standards (NAS) with a third-party audit. For Mabuhay Accommodations, Premium Accreditation is issued only upon compliance with at least 50% of the total points allotted.
If it fails to meet the minimum score of 251 points under NAS, it may still be considered for Regular Accreditation if it complied with mandatory requirements and garnered not less than 200 points; otherwise, it shall be re-categorized into Mabuhay Accommodation subject to inspection.
Dormant applications automatically withdraw after 45 days of inactivity. DOT sends warnings/notifications on the 30th and 45th day counted from the date of submission.
Denial may be based on: false declarations or fraud/misrepresentation, failure to comply with standards, failure to pay outstanding surcharges/fines/penalties, or determinative findings of liability for complaints filed with DOT. Suspension/revocation after due notice and hearing includes unauthorized use/transfer or reproduction of DOT documents, gross evident bad faith/fraudulent solicitation or misleading claims, failure to display stickers/plaques or the required Tourism Quality Seal and Accreditation Number, prohibited activities involving drugs/exploitation of women/children, failure to comply with laws (e.g., benefits for seniors and persons with disabilities), and other acts/omissions detrimental to the tourism industry.
Accreditation rights and privileges are non-transferable. DOT may access the enterprise’s office and records at a reasonable time of day with due regard to privacy, conduct periodic monitoring to ensure continued compliance with DOT standards, and require display of accreditation identifiers with validity in advertisements.