DOT-6 to start Accommodation Capacity Survey this coming October

The Department of Tourism is implementing a Survey on the Accommodation Capacity on the different Tourism Development Areas identified in the National Tourism Development Plan. The survey includes all existing and under construction accommodation establishments in the area. 

ILOILO CONVENTION CENTER and the soon-to-open Marriott Courtyard Hotel Iloilo 

The said capacity survey aims to help policy makers, businesses and investors decide on putting up investments through supplying statistical data on room capacity, available facilities, employment and future investments in the accommodation sector. 

In 2016, there were 27,831 existing room accommodations and 1,190 new rooms in Western Visayas. Aklan had the most number of rooms with 12,602 (existing and new rooms) followed by Negros Occidental with 5,466 rooms and Iloilo City with 3,450 rooms. 

DOT Region VI Director Atty. Helen J. Catalbas is positive that the numbers have increased with the numerous investments coming in the region. She said being an emerging meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) destination in the country, Western Visayas is expecting influx of more visitors coming in the region. 

“The region is hosting various international and national conventions, bringing in not less than 150-1,500 participants/delegates with them. Aside from MICE, the Western Visayas tourism product portfolio includes Agri-Farm, Cruise and Nautical, Culinary, Cultural, Diving and Marine Sports, Eco-tourism, Educational, Leisure and Entertainment, Nature-based, Pilgrimage and Sun and Beach”, Director Catalbas emphasize. 

Director Catalbas calls on to all accommodation establishments to be DOT accredited. She said entrepreneurs should take risks and invest money to upgrade and develop their facilities and amenities. “The comfort and well-being of our visitors should always come first, profit comes second. We want them to spend more days in the region and bring more members of the family and friends to experience the best of Western Visayans hospitality”, Director Catalbas concluded. 

Accommodation Capacity Survey will commence on October 1-31, 2017 and will cover the five (5) provinces and two (2) HUCs of Western Visayas.

DOT-VI News