MALASIQUI, March 15 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Region 1 (Ilocos) has asked local government units (LGUs) to strictly impose the mandatory accreditation for tourism hubs in their jurisdictions, along with other provisions of Republic Act 9593 or the Tourism Act.
DOT-1 regional director Martin Valera said the agency is geared towards having more accredited tourist facilities in the region this year, as supported by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through a memorandum circular issued to the LGUs.
Valera admitted that securing accurate tourist statistics in the region is still a challenge due to the non-compliance of establishments catering to tourists.
"Based from the data submitted to us, tourist ar...