THE city government of dagupan had been asked to advise tourist-oriented establishments, tour operators and even tourist guides within its jurisdiction to seek accreditation with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Appearing before the city council led by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, Rowena Calica of DOT said that accreditation is on voluntary basis but cited advantages if a tourist-oriented establishment is accredited by the agency.

Local government units are charged with the issuance of licenses to hotels, inns, restaurants mall and similar establishments catering to tourists.

That function, she said, had been devolved to the LGUs under the Local Government Code.

The DOT issued accreditation to these establishments as part of its program to improve tourism and ensure the safety and comfort of tourists.

She said that among other advantages of accreditation, the establishments would be included in the web site of the DOT which domestic and foreign tourists can access if they are looking for sites they may want to visit.

These establishments will be readily recommended to tourists seeking inquiries on what place they want to go anywhere in the Philippines, Calica said.

Aside from this, Calica said, DOT-accredited establishments seeking funding or capital for their improvement may be recommended by the department to where they can borrow loans at lower interests.

This is also true to DOT-accredited establishments that may be looking for investor partners for their existing establishments. (PNA)