Classification of Resorts by Location and Class
- Location categories: beach, inland, island, lakeside/riverside, mountain.
- Classes: "AAA," "AA," and "A," defined by minimum operational and facility standards.
Minimum Requirements for Class "AAA" Resorts
- Located in pollution-free areas.
- Free, adequate parking with security.
- Facilities equivalent to First Class Hotels including rooms and amenities.
- Clean public washrooms with hot and cold water.
- At least four sports and recreational facilities.
- Conference/convention facilities with attached toilets.
- Employee facilities such as locker rooms and cafeterias.
Minimum Requirements for Class "AA" Resorts
- Similar location and parking standards as "AAA."
- Facilities comparable to Standard Class Hotels.
- Clean public washrooms.
- At least three sports and recreational facilities.
- Conference/convention facilities.
- Adequate employee facilities.
Minimum Requirements for Class "A" Resorts
- Pollution-free suitable location.
- Adequate parking free to guests.
- Rooms equivalent to Economy Class hotels.
- Clean public washrooms.
- At least two sports and recreational facilities.
- Minimum of one food and beverage outlet.
General Operational Standards
- Maintenance and housekeeping must sustain acceptable standards including vermin control and sanitation under PD 856.
- Employment of accredited lifeguards and provision of adequate security.
- Medical services must include a physician (on-call/full-time) and certified first-aid personnel; provision of first aid equipment.
- Fire-fighting facilities as per Fire Code requirements.
- Display of signboards indicating resort name and classification.
Regulations for Beach and Lakeside Resorts
- Placement of an adequate number of buoys designating safe swimming areas.
- Prohibition of boats and crafts within designated swimming areas.
- Management empowered to enforce beach regulations and designate loading/unloading zones.
- Swimming prohibited after 10:00 P.M. with posted notices; night swimming allowed only if lifeguards and lighting conditions meet safety standards.
- Posting of warning signs about hazards.
Prohibited Acts and Conduct
- Ban on pets swimming and certain fishing methods like "pukot".
- Prohibition of ambulant vendors to protect guest privacy.
- Strict anti-littering policies.
- Prevention of gambling, drunkenness, and disorderly conduct on premises.
- Ban on known prostitutes, pedophiles, or persons of bad character from resort occupancy; mandatory police reporting.
Registration and Licensing Requirements
- Mandatory registration and licensing with the Department before operation.
- Applications require documents including corporate papers, financial statements, personnel list, liability insurance, rate schedules, and government approvals.
- The Department forms an inspection committee for ocular inspection using a checklist.
- Issuance of certificates upon compliance; registration paid once unless lapse in operations.
- Licenses valid for one year, with a schedule of registration and licensing fees based on resort class.
- License renewal requires submission of updated corporate documents, lists of personnel, tax returns, insurance proof, and board resolutions.
- Resort registration includes all facilities operated by the resort.
Penalties and Sanctions
- Grounds include false declarations, non-compliance with standards, serious injury or death due to negligence, illegal activities, and rule violations.
- Administrative penalties include fines (P1,000-P10,000), suspension, or revocation of licenses.
- Criminal penalties include imprisonment and fines with automatic license revocation upon conviction.
- Liability extends to corporate officers responsible; alien officers may face deportation.
Transfer and Ownership Provisions
- Transfer of registration and license requires prior Department approval.
- Share transfers must be reported within ten working days.
- Certificates must be displayed conspicuously.
Resort Management and Staff Conduct
- Resorts must maintain a registry book recording guest identification.
- Employment of foreign nationals regulated by joint circulars from relevant government departments.
- Department issues ID cards to resort employees; these must be surrendered upon termination.
- Resort keepers/managers liable for staff misconduct unless due diligence is proven.
- Acts detrimental to tourism by staff or management grounds for disciplinary action.
- Development and promulgation of a Code of Ethics and Conduct by the Department and resort associations, with prescribed penalties for violations.
Inspection and Compliance Monitoring
- Periodic inspections by Department officials with access to records and premises.
- Inspections conducted at reasonable times respecting guest privacy.
- Identified deficiencies must be corrected within one week or extended up to two months.
- Failure to remedy results in fines up to P5,000 and possible license suspension or revocation.
- Resorts may be reclassified based on compliance and standards adherence.
Complaint Resolution and Quasi-Judicial Powers
- Department empowered to resolve complaints against resorts and employees following established procedures.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
- Information filed with the Department treated as confidential, divulged only with consent or Secretary of Tourism’s order.
- Unauthorized disclosure by Department personnel considered an offense.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Adoption of suitable procedures for situations not covered by the Rules.
- Collaboration with other government agencies for enforcement.
- Resorts must keep a copy of the Rules available for guests and employees.
- Rules effective 15 days after publication; provisions declared separable.
- Repeal of inconsistent previous rules and ordinances upon these Rules’ effectivity.