ACCSTP and its relevance to ASEAN Integration:

ACCSTP stands for ASEAN Common Competency Standards for Tourism Professionals, and are "blueprints" that support the implementation of competency-based common ASEAN tourism programs. These said standards are minimum requirements in the hotel and travel services, which aim to upgrade tourism services.

There are a total of 242 Competency Standards in the ACCSTP that enable stakeholders to develop and implement tourism training programs which contain the minimum standards required for participants to undertake a job effectively in the industry. 

In preparation for ASEAN Integration, it is imperative that industry practioners and the academe start integrating the ACCSTP in their curriculum and prove to be competent in such.

As part of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), standards and high levels of of training and assessment for all students who undertake training within the Common ASEAN Tourism Curriculum (CATC) and the Regional Qualifications Framework and Skills Recognition System (RQFSRS) are ensured. These qualifications shall also be recognized by all ASEAN Member States and shall promote the ease of movement of tourism professionals where there is a high supply or demand for their services. 

The greater question now stands for the Filipino Hotelier: given that you shall be assessed and certified "competent" in the ASEAN competency standards, and now shall be qualified and recognized to go to any ASEAN member state, will you stay or will you go? With opportunities of an international experience, as well as potential higher salary, will our professionals leave and just contribute to the GNP because of their remittances?