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A resort is a primary tourism enterprise, so DOT accreditation is mandatory and your city should issue the permit to operate only after DOT accredits you. Apply online at accreditation.tourism.gov.ph. DOT says the processing fee stays waived under MC 2022-001. You also need sanitary permits from the health office, one for lodging and a separate one if you have a swimming pool.[1,2,4,5,6]
DOT before the mayor's permit
RA 9593 lists accommodation establishments as primary tourism enterprises, which must periodically obtain DOT accreditation. DILG has told LGUs that prior DOT accreditation is required before they issue a permit to operate to these enterprises.[1,2]
DOT restated in October 2026 that accreditation is mandatory for hotels, resorts, travel agencies and tourist transport operators.[4]
Applying online, with no processing fee
You file through the DOT Online Accreditation System at accreditation.tourism.gov.ph.[3,5]
DOT says the processing fee waiver introduced under Memorandum Circular 2022-001 remains in effect indefinitely.[4]
Prepare photos and a floor plan of rooms, pools and common areas before you start the online form.
One resort, several sanitary permits
The sanitation code requires a sanitary permit before hotels, lodging and similar establishments open. Public swimming and bathing places need their own sanitary permit, so day-use resorts with only pools and cottages still need the pool permit.[6]
If you serve food, expect the health office to treat the restaurant side as a food establishment too. See the restaurant kit. Beach and protected-area resorts should also ask the DENR regional office about environmental rules before building.
Resort opening checklist
- Create your account at accreditation.tourism.gov.ph
- Gather photos and a floor plan of rooms, pools and common areas
- Apply for the lodging sanitary permit
- Apply for a separate pool sanitary permit
- Get health certificates for kitchen, housekeeping and pool staff
- Hold your mayor's permit filing until DOT accreditation is in hand
Questions people ask
- Is DOT accreditation optional for resorts?
- No. Accommodation establishments are primary tourism enterprises, and those must obtain DOT accreditation. Secondary tourism enterprises are the ones for which it is voluntary.
- How much is DOT accreditation for a resort?
- There is no processing fee. DOT says the waiver introduced under MC 2022-001 remains in effect indefinitely.
- Can the LGU give me a permit while DOT is processing?
- DILG says prior DOT accreditation is required before an LGU issues a permit to operate to a primary tourism enterprise.
- Do I need a permit for a pool even if guests do not stay overnight?
- Yes. Public swimming and bathing places need a sanitary permit.
Sources
Checked 13 November 2026. We link the agency's own page for every requirement. Rules change; confirm with the office before you pay.
- Republic Act No. 9593 (The Tourism Act of 2009) · Congress of the Philippines (via Lawphil) · 12 May 2009
- DILG to LGUs: Issue permit to operate to tourism enterprises with DOT accreditation only · DILG Region IV-A · 15 January 2024
- Free accreditation for tourism businesses extended — DOT · Inquirer.net · 23 February 2023
- CV tourism accreditations rise 25% on fee waiver · The Freeman (Philstar) · 16 October 2026
- DOT 7 waives fees to ease tourism firms' costs · SunStar Cebu · 27 October 2026
- Presidential Decree No. 856 (Code on Sanitation of the Philippines) · Office of the President (via Lawphil) · 23 December 1975
The extra permits, in one table
| Permit or registration | Agency | When it applies | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOT accreditation[1] | DOT | always | waived under MC 2022-001 (see the fee waiver row) |
| Classification as primary tourism enterprise[1] | DOT | accommodation establishments are primary tourism enterprises | no fee (definition in the law) |
| Apply through DOT Online Accreditation System[3] | DOT | always | waived under DOT MC 2022-001 |
| DOT accreditation processing fee waived[4] | DOT | all tourism enterprises applying for DOT accreditation | waived (no processing fee) |
| Apply online at the DOT accreditation portal[5] | DOT | always | waived (no processing fee) |
| DOT accreditation is mandatory for hotels, resorts, travel agencies…[4] | DOT | hotels, resorts, travel agencies, land and water tourist transport operators | waived (no processing fee) |
| Sanitary permit for hotel/lodging/boarding/apartment establishment[6] | DOH / local health office (PD 856) | always | assessed by the city or town (no national amount) |
| Sanitary permit for swimming pool / bathing place[6] | DOH / local health office (PD 856) | if the resort has a swimming pool or public bathing place | Not published |
Rules and exemptions
Selling rules that apply
- Mayor's permit to operate issued only after DOT accreditation[2]