In a bid to institutionalize the local tourism industry in Narra, establishments and facilities will now have to apply for accreditation and registration with the Department of Tourism (DOT), according to a recent municipal ordinance from the town’s local legislative council.
SB Member Francisco Atchera Jr., author of the ordinance said that the measure is an aid to account and identify the local establishments and facilities duly licensed to cater tourists or vacationers, in order to keep track of their number.
Atchera added that the measure also aims to serve as a database that would guide the local government unit (LGU) of Narra in the formulation of plans and programs designed to promote and develop the local tourism industry of the said municipality.
“Para malaman ng ating konseho kung ano ang dapat gawin para tumaas ang turismo at ma-promote tayo bilang agricultural tourist destination,” Atchera said.
Now approved by the legislative council and Narra chief-executive Mayor Gerandy Danao, hotels, pension houses, apartments, beach and inland resorts, restaurants, travel and transport agencies, adventure sports services, convention sites/organizers to apply for accreditation with Narra LGU for them to be officially accounted and recognized.
According to the measure, existing business establishments and facilities involving tourism will be given sixty (60) days after the effectivity of the ordinance. After this, accreditation shall be made as a pre-requisite to the issuance or renewal of mayor’s and business permits of the entrepreneurs or business owners.
The local Municipal Tourism Council shall accept applications for accreditations and shall be the main proponent on granting it.
The ordinance also holds sanctions subjectable by revocation or non-renewal of business permits for establishments and facilities who will fail to abide by the recent measure.
Accreditations for owners and applicants will start by next year, 2020.