In the Philippines, the travel and tourism industry is strictly regulated to protect consumers from fraudulent schemes and ensure quality service. With the rise of "fly-by-night" entities operating primarily through social media, it is imperative for travelers to conduct due diligence. Under Philippine law, a travel agency must satisfy specific registration and licensing requirements from multiple government tiers to operate legally.

1. Department of Tourism (DOT) Accreditation

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is the primary government body that oversees the standards of the tourism industry. While some business registrations are mandatory for legal existence, DOT Accreditation is the gold standard for quality and reliability.

The Accreditation Requirement: Under the Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9593), primary tourism enterprises are encouraged (and in many jurisdictions, required by local ordinance) to obtain accreditation.
How to Verify: The DOT maintains a public database of accredited enterprises. Travelers should visit the official DOT Tourism Industry Portal.
The Sticker/Certificate: Legitimate agencies are issued a DOT Certificate of Accreditation and a sticker that must be displayed prominently in their place of business. These documents contain an accreditation number and an expiration date.

2. Business Registration and Legal Identity

A travel agency cannot legally exist without a formal personality. Depending on the structure of the business, it must be registered with one of the following:

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

For Corporations or Partnerships, the agency must be registered with the SEC.

Verification: You can use the SEC Express System or the online search portal to check if the company name is registered and if its status is "Active."
Critical Note: SEC registration alone does not authorize a company to act as a travel agency; it only creates the legal entity. It must still have the specific "purpose" of a travel agency in its Articles of Incorporation.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

For Sole Proprietorships, the agency must register its business name with the DTI.

Verification: The DTI Business Name Registration System (BNRS) website allows the public to search for business names. Ensure the name matches the one being used in their advertisements.

3. Local Government Unit (LGU) Requirements

Every business in the Philippines must have a Mayor’s Permit or Business Permit from the city or municipality where it operates.

Jurisdiction: A permit issued in Quezon City does not authorize an office to operate in Cebu.
Zoning: The permit ensures the business has a physical office that has passed building, fire, and sanitary inspections.
Verification: Most LGUs now have "Business One-Stop Shops" (BOSS) or online portals where you can verify if a business permit is current.

4. Membership in Industry Associations

While not a government requirement, membership in reputable industry associations provides an extra layer of security. These organizations vet their members and hold them to a code of ethics.

PHILTOA (Philippine Tour Operators Association)
PTAA (Philippine Travel Agencies Association)
NAITAS (National Association of Independent Travel Agencies)

Verification can usually be done by checking the "Member Directory" on the respective association’s website.

5. Red Flags of Fraudulent Agencies

Beyond checking paperwork, travelers should be wary of the following indicators of an illegitimate operation:

Personal Bank Accounts: If an agency asks you to deposit payments into a personal bank account instead of a corporate account (e.g., "Juan Dela Cruz" instead of "Travel Horizons Inc."), exercise extreme caution.
No Physical Office: Legitimate travel agencies are generally required by LGUs to have a physical place of business. Be skeptical of agencies that claim to be "online only" without any verifiable physical headquarters.
Prices "Too Good to be True": Rates significantly lower than the market average often indicate a scam or an unsustainable business model.
Lack of Landline: A business relying solely on mobile numbers or social media messaging (Viber, WhatsApp) without a registered landline is a common red flag.

Summary Checklist for Verification

Requirement	Governing Body	Verification Method
Corporate Status	SEC	SEC Online Portal / Articles of Incorporation
Business Name	DTI	DTI BNRS Website
Operating Authority	LGU (Mayor's Office)	Business Permit displayed in office
Industry Standard	DOT	DOT Tourism Industry Portal
Tax Compliance	BIR	Certificate of Registration (Form 2303)