Vol. XXII, No. 181 [ BusinessWorld Online ]
Friday, April 17, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES
TACLOBAN CITY — The city government here will issue and renew business permits only of hotels that are accredited with the Tourism department.
City tourism officer Jake Ligan said only three hotels in the city, so far, have met the standards set by the Department of Tourism (DoT).
As of last March, there were 21 hotels, major inns, and pension houses in this city with a total of just 644 rooms.
"We are working out with other city departments to ensure that all investors in the hotel business will comply with (DoT) guidelines," Mr. Ligan said.
The city tourism office inspects local accommodation facilities every six months. Inspections were made early this year in preparation for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa this April 27-May 2.
"Accommodation is a common problem here because many of our hotels are small. With many visitors coming in, we have to grab the opportunity to improve our services," Mr. Ligan said in an interview.
The biggest facility in Tacloban now is the Leyte Park Hotel with 48 rooms in the main building as well as 52 cottages.
"Most of our new hotels are small with only 50 bedrooms at the average," Mr. Ligan said.
Tourism regional director Karina Rosa Tiopes said they have been having a hard time booking large groups for the national sports event and other big events held here. "It’s really hard to get reservations. All hotels are fully booked and this will go on until May." — Sarwell Q. Meniano
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