THE Davao City Tourism Office (CTOO) said that only a few boat operators in Sta. Ana Pier have secured a permit to conduct business.
CTOO head Generose Tecson said that out of 100 boat operators, only less than 10 secured a mayor's permit from the Business Bureau and the city tourism office.
Tecson said that the city government of Davao reiterated Ordinance No. 0231-14, series of 2014, or "The Ordinance Amending the Tourism Code of Davao", mandating all tourist transport operators to secure a valid Mayor's Permit to conduct business in the city.
The ordinance also requires all fluvial transport vehicles (bangka), utilized for the purpose of tourist water transport to register and secure a license with the CTOO.
Tecson said that the order also aims to regulate and monitor them as the city has an increased number of tourists yearly.
"If something happens to them while cruising, sino hahabulin? With or with business permit, it's going to be us," she said.
The tourism office said that the Philippine Coast Guard - Davao Station will be deputizing the order.
Tecson also said that the collected fees will also be used for the improvement of the Sta. Ana Pier, which is being eyed as the city's next tourism spot.