The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is mulling on amending the Davao City Tourism Code for stricter provisions on tour and travel operation.
CTOO head Gene Rose Tecson said she will push for the amendments to the Tourism Code after she will convene the Tourism Board anytime this month.
This developed after the city government continues to apprehend and received reports on tour operators who do not have permits from the city government.
The last apprehension was on Friday night when it apprehended JT Tours and Adventures.
Tecson said her office has been receiving at least five reports on unlicensed tour operators on a daily basis. Some names keep on surfacing, she added.
This despite warnings to comply with regulations secure government permits. However, some of them continue to defy the call, Tecson said.
“We decided to conduct an operation to see what the JT Tours and adventures were doing. It turned out that the reports are true. Aside from having no permits, their van is also colorum,” she said.
According to Tecson, the case of the JT will also be discussed at the Board meeting.
“For the part of the business bureau, there was a cease and desist order and to take down their post on social media,” she said.
Tecson, however, clarified that the unlicensed tour operators can still legalize their business once they comply with the requirements, such as securing mayor’s and business permits.
“They can go to our office and we will be glad to assist them. We will even promote them once they legalize their businesses,” she said. CIO
