2. THE TOURISM ACT OF 2009
R.A. 9593
Formulate and implement a national
standard for the operation and
maintenance of tourism enterprises,
prescribing minimum levels of
quality and efficiency in order to
ensure that facilities and services are
maintained in accordance with
acceptable local and international
standards.
OFFICE OF TOURISM STANDARDS AND REGULATION
ACCREDITATION DIVISION
3. Why Are Tourism Standards Important?
ENHANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE
5. a certification issued by the Department
to an individual that officially recognizes
him/her as having complied with the
minimum standards for tour guides.
6. STEPS IN APPLYING FOR ONLINEACCREDITATION
(New & Renewal Application)
http://accreditationonline.tourism.gov.ph
8. DEFINITION
TOUR GUIDE - an individual who guides tourists,
both foreign and domestic, for a fee,
commission, or any other form of lawful
remuneration.
9. Tour Guides Classification and Training
National/Regional Guide
- Regular Tour Guiding Seminar
Local Guide
- Community Guiding Seminar
Cave/Mountain/River Guide
- Eco-guiding Seminar
10. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
Occupational Permit
Proof of undergoing DOT Training/Seminar
Valid Health Certificate
NBI Clearance
For Senior Citizens, Health Certificate only
13. Tour Guides Classification
Regional Guide
- guides within a specific region, province
or city (e.g. Region III, Pampanga
or Angeles City)
Local Guide
- guides within a specific site, attraction
or community (e.g. Mt. Pinatubo)
Specialist Guide
- possess special skills and technical
knowledge for specific activities and/or
interest in any part of the Philippines
(e.g. caving guides, mountain guides)
14. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Filipino resident or permanent resident foreign
national
Minimum of 18 years old
Physically and mentally fit
Not have been convicted with finality of any crime by a
court of justice or dismissed for a cause by any
organization, whether public or private
15. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background:
Regional Guide
Specialist Guide Local Guide
Level
Language Proficiency:
Regional Guide
Specialist Guide
Local Guide
at least 2nd year college or twoyear vocational course
at least 2nd year college or twoyear vocational course
at least Elementary
-
Proficient in English
Proficient in English
Conversant in English
17. FOR RENEWAL
Proof of undergoing a continuing education
training/seminar
Minimum of 40 hours
Conducted by DOT or DOT-accredited training
centers/ recognized associations, in which case,
program or topic must be approved by DOT
18. TOUR GUIDE LEVELS
The level category shall serve as an indicator of
the guide’s expertise in the industry which can be
determined after due evaluation of his/her skill
and professional credentials
Junior Guide
Senior Guide
Master Guide
19. JUNIOR GUIDE
Entry level and shall be attained upon compliance
with DOT’s basic accreditation requirements.
SENIOR GUIDE
The second level and shall be attained upon compliance with the
following:
6 years continuous guiding experience as DOT-accredited
tour guide
Commendation from travel and tour agencies/tourism related
associations/enterprises excluding tour guide associations
At least 1 foreign language other than English
20. MASTER GUIDE
The highest level and shall be awarded to a tour guide who
passed the following criteria:
10 years continuous guiding experience as DOTaccredited tour guide
Has achieved credibility and track record in tour guiding
Has extensive knowledge in area of guiding and field of
specialization
Has consistently displayed excellence in field of
expertise, earning distinction and making an impact on
clients
Has broad acceptance through either local/international
commendation/recognition
from
tourism-related
associations and respect from peers in the field of
expertise
21. PANEL INTERVIEW
Guides who wish to apply for level upgrade and have
passed the requirements shall undergo a panel
interview conducted by DOT.
Panel interview per level upgrade shall be scheduled
every May of each year. Hence, applicants for level
upgrade shall file their application at least one month
prior to the scheduled interview.
24. NON-RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION
Refresher Seminar Course - for those inactive or failed
to renew accreditation for at least two (2) but not over
four (4) years
Regular Tour Guide Training - for those inactive or failed
to renew accreditation for more than four (4) years
Level Downgrade
- Master and Senior Guides
shall be downgraded one category lower should they fail
to renew their accreditation for more than four (4) years.
26. FEES
SURCHARGE
Additional amount equivalent to 50%of the
accreditation fee for renewals made after June 30
and another 100% shall be collected for every
preceding year thereafter
27. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION/REVOCATION
A. Making any false declaration or statement or making use of any
such declaration or statement or any document containing the
same or committing fraud or any act of misrepresentation for
the purpose of obtaining the grant of accreditation
B. Failure to maintain the standards and requirements for
accreditation
C. Failure to submit valid Occupational Permit between April to
June of each year
D. Promoting, facilitating or conducting activities involving drugrelated transactions, prostitution or sex tourism
E. Gross and evident bad faith in dealing with clients / fraudulent
solicitation of business
28. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION/REVOCATION
F. Non-settlement of account and/or non-remittance of collection
due to any establishment or agency of the government or any
individual within the period prescribed by law or by the rules
and regulations and circulars by the Department
G. Patronage and/ or engaging the services of non-DOT accredited
tourism establishments/ vehicles except in areas where there are
no DOT accredited facilities and/ or services.
H. Violation of or non-compliance with any of the provisions of
these rules, Tour Guides Code of Ethics, promulgated orders,
decisions and circulars issued by the Department and other
concerned government agencies;
I. Organizing tours as a travel and tour agency without the
necessary documents to operate such enterprise
J. Any other act or omission that works against the interest of the
29. GROUNDS FOR DENIAL
A. Non-settlement of the complaint filed against them with the Department
B. Cancellation/Revocation of Accreditation
PENALTIES
First Offense - Six (6) months Suspension of Accreditation
Second Offense - One (1) year Suspension of Accreditation
Third Offense - Revocation of Accreditation