THE Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is proposing for a moratorium of all ticketing offices here in the city.
CTOO head Generose Tecson said ticketing offices are not accredited business model category of the Department of Tourism (DOT), adding that there are already ticketing offices who are also offering tour packages, which is illegal.
Tecson also noted that there are tour operators who are using online platforms such as Facebook to sell tours.
“This is unfair for those travel agencies and tour operators because sila lang ang allowed na mag-sell ng packaged tours (because they are the only authorized to sell packaged tours),” the tourism officer said.
At present, she said CTOO is monitoring establishments who are possibly violating the city, especially those operating without business permit.
The city tourism and the Business Bureau recently apprehended Princess Adventours for enticing clients through Facebook without proper business permit.
“They insisted that their permits are under process (but) that should not be the case. They need to have permits first before they can operate,” Tecson clarified.
She added that based on the records of the Business Bureau, Princess Adventours has not applied for a permit.
Tecson also cautioned the public on booking tours online, especially those without office addresses.
“We ask you to cease and desist from advertising your tours unless you have the processed papers,” Tecson said.
“If may mangyari sa kanila, saan namin sila hahabulin (If something happens to the tourist, where can we find them for liabilities),” Tecson added.
She also said travel tours must also secure licenses from DOT, aside from urging ticketing offices to upgrade their business model during the renewal of business permit next year. (RGL)