Philippines Unveils New Tourism Standards for Dental Services

THE PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) has announced a comprehensive set of national standards aimed at elevating the quality of tourism offerings across the country. These new guidelines, set to be implemented this year, cover tourist accommodation, dental tourism, and campgrounds, including glamping facilities. This move represents a significant step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism sector.

New Accommodation Standards: A Star-Based System

Come November, the Philippines will introduce its new National Accommodation Standards. This system will employ a one to five-star rating scheme, evaluating properties based on seven key criteria. Virgilio Maguigad, director of DoT’s office of tourism standards and regulation, elaborated on these standards at the recent 7th Hospitality Philippines Conference 2024.

“The properties can use their compliance with the objective standards for their marketing as confusion arises when OTAs publish subjective tourist reviews,” Maguigad stated. He further emphasised that accreditation would be necessary for properties seeking DoT’s international marketing support.

The assessment criteria will encompass the entire guest experience, from arrival to departure, and will also consider factors such as ‘Filipinisation’, digitisation, and sustainability. To ensure objectivity, incognito third-party assessors from the industry, including general managers and housekeepers, will conduct property evaluations.

Dental Tourism: Setting New Standards for Medical Travel

In a move to capitalise on the growing dental tourism market, the DoT, in collaboration with the Philippine Dental Association, released new Dental Tourism Standards in February. These guidelines cover crucial aspects such as cleanliness, safety, location, and restroom requirements.

For specific procedures like cosmetic dentistry, dental implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics, clinics will now be required to provide a dedicated concierge service. This addition aims to enhance the overall experience for international patients seeking dental care in the Philippines.

Maguigad noted that dental tourism was previously categorised with spa and ambulatory clinics. However, he revealed that the department is now working on developing separate standards for the unique Filipino brand of spa and wellness establishments.

Pioneering Campground Standards in Southeast Asia

In a first for Southeast Asia, the Philippines will introduce national standards for accrediting campgrounds, including glamping sites, starting November. This innovative move recognises the growing popularity of outdoor and adventure tourism in the region.

Explaining the need for these standards, Maguigad said, “Campgrounds, including camping tents and glamping, are considered forms of accommodation popular among adventure travellers but are not covered by the national accommodation standards.”

The new guidelines will mandate several safety measures, including:

• Certified first-aiders on site
• Staff training on safety and security
• Availability of communication devices for internal and external use
• Emergency information and plans

Impact on Philippine Tourism

These new standards represent a significant step forward in the Philippine tourism industry’s development. By implementing these guidelines, the DoT aims to improve the overall quality of tourism offerings, enhance visitor experiences, and boost the country’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

The voluntary accreditation system tied to these standards is expected to provide a valuable marketing tool for compliant businesses. As Maguigad pointed out, this objective assessment can help properties differentiate themselves in a market often dominated by subjective online reviews.

As the Philippines continues to position itself as a premier tourism destination in Southeast Asia, these new standards for accommodation, dental tourism, and campgrounds are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s tourism landscape.