For all the efforts the government and various private entities put into promoting the Philippines as a worthy travel destination, one gets into thinking if related industries are ready for it as well. This is a very relevant question to ask considering that actual experience in accommodation forms a big part of the impression created in the minds of visitors. So we ask, are Philippine hotels and resorts ready for the global market? ADB- Canada thinks so.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Philippine Hotels and Resorts

The Department of Tourism (DOT) introduced last year specific quality standards for the purpose of ensuring that global standards and practices in the hotel and resorts industry are met. In relation to this, ten international assessors were recruited to undergo orientation together with DOT area officers and third-party auditors working in the industry. The aim was to develop a system that will be able to assist visitors in terms of providing a guide about all types of accommodation offered in the Philippines. The system was sought to be applied and tested in about 144 hotels and resorts located in the country’s major tourist destinations.

It is worth noting that the Government of Canada has provided a $7.1 million assistance fund through the Asian Development Bank. This international assessment is one of the components of this assistance. This tourism accreditation will focus not only on the quality of the facilities but also on other aspects including service, hospitality, efficiency, and food. The aim to improve competitiveness in the tourism industry is also in line with all the other efforts being done in time for the ASEAN integration.

Working to Attain Industry Standards

ADB-Canada has assured that Philippine hotels and resorts are indeed ready for the global market, specifically those located in the key island destinations. They have been deemed ready to compete in the global marketplace as per initial findings of the Team of International Accommodation Assessors who joined the DOT in conducting a national review last month. This team of ten experts is in the opinion that Philippine hotels and resorts, including the small players, have “very high standards”.

There is much work yet to be done though since real potential in the Philippine tourism has been clearly identified. The new rating system will help hotels and resorts determine their areas of deficiency which they can invest on to improve. This eliminates waste of valuable resources spending on things that should not be prioritized.

Competing at Every Level

Undersecretary Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, Chairperson of the DOT Project Steering Committee believes that technical assistance is crucial in helping the department implement “Improving Competitiveness in Tourism” which is intended to be a road map designed to increase foreign tourist arrivals to ten million by 2016. Undersecretary Jasmin expects the new standards to identify examples of best practice for use by all types and levels of accommodation. The new set standards is viewed as a marked improvement from the standards introduced in 1992 since it recognizes the fact that not all accommodation should strive to be “five star”, there being a market from one star to five star graded establishments. The focus is maintaining excellence at whatever rank a hotel or resort is in.

My Say

It goes without saying that when we invite foreign visitors and even local tourists to discover the Philippines, the industries directly related to the promotion of tourism should be up to the challenge. No amount of convincing will amount to anything substantial if we are to rely solely on the much renowned Filipino hospitality. The hotel and resort industry should walk the talk as well. ADB-Canada’s initial nod is very encouraging. Let us hope that Philippine hotels and resorts get the final nod come the release of the final assessment anytime this September.