CCCI seeks changes in Gordon tourism bill

While the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed support to the tourism bill pushed by Sen. Richard Gordon, it has also proposed some amendments in opposition to the imposition of tourism fees, and in seeking equal representation in the Tourism Congress.

The Tourism Core Group of the CCCI composed of various tourism stakeholders in the area reviewed and discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 2138 or "An Act declaring a national policy for tourism as the primary engine of investment, employment, growth and national development", and eventually came up with a unified position regarding its provisions.

In a letter addressed to Gordon, the Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association of Cebu which is an active member of the tourism core group totally opposed the imposition of a tourism fee as provided for in Section 51.

The provision read, "a minimal tourism fee which shall not exceed two US dollars (USD 2) shall be collected from foreign guests per night spent in accommodation establishments, to be collected by said establishments and remitted to Tourism Philippines. The amount shall be initially fixed and may be revised from time to time by the Board. In determining and reviewing the fee, the Board shall consider the level of accreditation of the establishment, its location and its market."

With respect to the Elected Directors of the Tourism Congress as provided for in Section 43, the CCCI proposed that equal representation from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao stakeholders be ensured.

"We trust that you will accord our request your utmost consideration," the letter stated. - Gregg M. Rubio