Hotel Owners Back New DOT Star Rating System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. recently met with some officers of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc (PHOAI) to discuss plans and concerns of the accommodation sector from the local tourism industry. The PHOAI informed the Secretary that the Association is preparing a roadmap for the hotel sector, which is expected to establish the framework for future development of the hotel industry in the country.

An industry peer review advisory committee shall be created by the DOT to be composed of retired hotel general managers and industry experts. This committee shall be consulted relative to property assessments, star-rating, and other accommodation-related concerns.

DOT and PHOAI agreed to do a review and refinement of the standards, as well as conduct regular dialogues.

The personalities above are (L-R) Leny Fabul, PHOAI Executive Director; Yam Kit Sung-Director, Manager Grand Hotel Management Group, The Heritage Manila; Richard Masselin-Director, Owners Representative / General Manager, Pan Pacific Hotel Manila; Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., Arthur Lopez-President, Owners representative, Waterfront Hotels and Casinos; Arthur Gindap-Vice President External, Regional Manager, Philippines and Thailand, The Ascott Limited; Michael Al Legaspi- Director, President, Ayala Hotels and El Nido Resorts; and Jose Mari Del Rosario - Director, President of Microtel Inns and Suites (Philippines).