The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Saturday issued a strong reminder to all tourism enterprises, particularly those accredited by the department, to maintain responsible, considerate and transparent business practices during times of calamity or emergency.
This comes as the agency reports receiving allegations of overpricing and unfair practices affecting travelers and tourism workers following recent calamity-related disruptions.
It advised accredited establishments not to impose unreasonable price increases for accommodation, restaurant services or other tourism-related offerings,
The DOT also urged tourism enterprises to adopt fair and flexible policies for booking cancellations and rebookings, especially for guests whose travel plans were disrupted by the calamity.
The DOT said tourism is fundamentally a platform for service and compassion, saying it is a “shared duty to ensure that travelers, evacuees and responders find safety, comfort and dignity in our establishments during times of crisis.”
The agency warned that overpricing or denial of service under these circumstances goes against the spirit of hospitality and the principles of the Filipino brand of service.
It also asked establishments to proactively inform arriving guests about the current status of their facilities and operations, including any damages or limitations that might affect their stay or planned activities.
The DOT said it is coordinating with local government units and other concerned agencies to monitor compliance and ensure that facilities adhere to fair pricing and ethical business standards.
The DOT said that its regional offices are working with partners on the ground to assist affected tourism workers by ensuring their inclusion in appropriate relief and livelihood support programs.
