In its continuing effort to improve the quality of Philippine tourism, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has crafted three national standards for tourist accommodation, dental tourism, and campgrounds and glamping to be implemented this year.
All three standards have to be complied with for voluntary accreditation with DoT, said Virgilio Maguigad, director of DoT’s office of tourism standards and regulation, in a presentation at the recent 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2024.
Maguigad: properties can use their compliance with the objective standards for their marketing
The properties can use their compliance with the objective standards for their marketing as confusion arises when OTAs publish subjective tourist reviews. Another edge is that properties have to be accredited to be marketed abroad by the DoT, Maguigad emphasised.
Taking effect in November, the new National Accommodation Standards rate hotels from one to five star using seven yardsticks, including the entire guest experience from arrival to departure, Filipinisation, digitisation, and sustainability. Incognito third party assessors from the industry, including general managers and housekeepers, will check the properties to ensure an objective assessment.
The Dental Tourism Standards in collaboration with the Philippine Dental Association was already released in February and includes guidelines on cleanliness, safety, location, and requirements for restrooms. A clinic concierge is required for dental procedures such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implantology, orthodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics.
Maguigad said dental tourism was previously lumped with spa and ambulatory clinics, but that they are working on new standards for the Filipino brand of spa and wellness establishments.
The pioneering national standards for accrediting campgrounds, including glamping, will take effect in November, a first in South-east Asia.
Campgrounds, including camping tents and glamping, are considered forms of accommodation popular among adventure travellers but are not covered by the national accommodation standards, Maguigad explained.
Provisions include having certified first-aiders, safety staff training on safety and security, availability of communication devices for internal and external communication, emergency information and plans, and others.
In its continuing effort to improve the quality of Philippine tourism, the Department of Tourism (DoT) has crafted three national standards for tourist accommodation, dental tourism, and campgrounds and glamping to be implemented this year.
All three standards have to be complied with for voluntary accreditation with DoT, said Virgilio Maguigad, director of DoT’s office of tourism standards and regulation, in a presentation at the recent 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2024.
The properties can use their compliance with the objective standards for their marketing as confusion arises when OTAs publish subjective tourist reviews. Another edge is that properties have to be accredited to be marketed abroad by the DoT, Maguigad emphasised.
Taking effect in November, the new National Accommodation Standards rate hotels from one to five star using seven yardsticks, including the entire guest experience from arrival to departure, Filipinisation, digitisation, and sustainability. Incognito third party assessors from the industry, including general managers and housekeepers, will check the properties to ensure an objective assessment.
The Dental Tourism Standards in collaboration with the Philippine Dental Association was already released in February and includes guidelines on cleanliness, safety, location, and requirements for restrooms. A clinic concierge is required for dental procedures such as cosmetic dentistry, dental implantology, orthodontics, endodontics and prosthodontics.
Maguigad said dental tourism was previously lumped with spa and ambulatory clinics, but that they are working on new standards for the Filipino brand of spa and wellness establishments.
The pioneering national standards for accrediting campgrounds, including glamping, will take effect in November, a first in South-east Asia.
Campgrounds, including camping tents and glamping, are considered forms of accommodation popular among adventure travellers but are not covered by the national accommodation standards, Maguigad explained.
Provisions include having certified first-aiders, safety staff training on safety and security, availability of communication devices for internal and external communication, emergency information and plans, and others.