THE Department of Tourism-Central Visayas (DOT 7) is encouraging Airbnb hosts and operators in Cebu and across Central Visayas to have their units accredited as part of a broader push to professionalize alternative accommodations and ensure guest safety and service quality.
DOT 7 Director Judy Gabato said a growing number of short-term rental operators are responding to the call, reflecting stronger collaboration between local property managers and the tourism agency.
“We are seeing strong momentum in the accreditation of Airbnb and similar platforms,”
Gabato said.
“This is part of a broader effort to ensure that all accommodations, regardless of size, offer safe, secure and quality stays.”
The DOT’s move aligns with a national directive to formally integrate short-term rentals into the country’s regulated tourism ecosystem amid increasing concerns over consumer protection, fair competition and tax compliance.
A progressive accreditation framework now allows even micro-accommodations such as single-unit Airbnbs and small homestays to be certified, provided they meet basic requirements on safety, sanitation and business registration. For operators managing multiple units, a management contract is required.
“This is not about exclusion, but inclusion,” Gabato added. “The goal is to raise standards across the board while supporting local livelihoods.”
The rise in accredited Airbnbs comes at a time when Central Visayas’ tourism sector is recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic slump, buoyed by the return of direct international flights from markets such as South Korea, Australia and Vietnam. While short-term rentals continue to grow in popularity, traditional hotels and resorts have raised concerns over uneven regulatory compliance.
By formalizing Airbnbs, the DOT aims to level the playing field, ensure consistent service quality and open new revenue streams for the government. Officials said the accreditation drive is part of a long-term strategy to position Central Visayas, not just Cebu, as a globally competitive, safe and well-regulated tour-
ism destination.
In an interview in December 2024, then Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu president Alfred Reyes, said they submitted a position paper to the DOT, urging stronger oversight and enforcement. The group also called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue to ensure Airbnb operators comply with tax laws.
Reyes said Airbnb operators often undercut hotel prices by skirting tax and regulatory obligations. The group sought a congressional measure to establish a more balanced and equitable accommodation market. He compared the situation to ride-hailing platforms like Grab, which are now subject to regula-
tory oversight. / KOC