Section 14Sec./Art. 14

Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations. - Recognizing the need for internationally competitive standards of facilities and services, the Office of Tourism Standards and Regulations shall have the following functions:

(a) Formulate and enforce standards for the operation and maintenance of tourism enterprises, prescribing minimum and progressive levels of operating quality and efficiency consistent with local and international standards;

(b) Coordinate with relevant tourism enterprise associations, including adventure sports associations, in the formulation of rules and regulations, accreditation and enforcement;

(c) Develop and enforce a comprehensive system of mandatory accreditation for primary tourism enterprises, and voluntary accreditation for secondary tourism enterprises, in accordance with prescribed guidelines and standards;

(d) Establish a system of registration, information, linkage and mutual assistance among accredited tourism enterprises to enhance the value of accreditation and improve the quality of service rendered by such enterprises; and

(e) Evaluate tourism projects in accordance with standards and endorse the same to appropriate government agencies for availment of incentives, and provide technical assistance to incentive - giving institutions in the formulation of tourism incentives and the administration of their functions.