More training needed for homestay program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) must provide more training for its homestay initiative to lure in more homeowners and tourists to participate in the program.

“We see potential in the homestay market particularly with the Tourism department’s aggressive promotion of tourist spots in the countryside,” Colliers International Philippines research manager Joey Roi Bondoc told
The STAR in an email.

Bondoc said the lack of quality accommodation in the rural areas should drive the demand for this type of accommodation.

“This is a good example of public and private partnership in the tourism sector and the DOT should provide more training to make this program more attractive to both tourists and homeowners,” Bondoc said.

The homestay program provides tourists alternative accommodation offered by locals, which involves board and lodging while sharing the Filipino culture and lifestyle to their guests.

The DOT and local tourism offices also provides training and accreditation to elevate the Philippine homestay program into the standards at par with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“To be an accredited homestay, owners are required to assure the safety, sanitation, and availability of rooms and other basic amenities such as clean rest rooms and kitchen and continuous water supply,” the DOT said.

Based on latest available data, a total of 149 homestay facilities have been accredited by the tourism department nationwide.

Jones Lang Lasalle Philippines head of research, consultancy and valuation services Claro Cordero earlier told The STAR the homestay industry in the country still needs to be developed.