19/02/2026
This is our stand on drivers and private van tours. Guests should be responsible and should shoulder their drivers welfare or accomodation or atleast be included in their negotiation in renting
GM APARTEL RULES ON DRIVERS OF TRAVEL AGENCIES, PRIVATE VAN FOR HIRE AND THE LIKE
1. We dont have free lodging for drivers. And drivers are with PAY. Guests should include them in their # of pax
2. Some hotels/transients/ accomodations offer:
✅ Complimentary driver room
✅ Discounted “driver’s rate”
❌ No free room (agency pays if needed) in our accomodation there is no free
3. For travel agencies accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT):
Driver accommodation is usually based on the contract between the travel agency and their renter or guest. If transaction was made by both parties only and we the accomodation was not included or not present during the negotiation, we the GM apartel is not responsible for drivers/operators accomodation. So drivers/ operators are in no position to DEMAND anything from us, NEGOTIATE with us, QUESTION our policies or rules. Even your the operator owner of the van, we dont welcome negotiations from you.
4. Under the Republic Act No. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009), hotels, resorts, and apartelles must be accredited and follow safety and registration rules — but the law does NOT require them to provide free accommodation for drivers.
5. Apartelles are regular lodging establishments where guests (any travelers) stay, register, and pay for accommodation. There’s no universal regulation that they must provide rooms or require drivers to stay there
6. Often travelers provide a stipend or separate room so the driver can rest — especially on long trips — but this is a COURTESY/agreement, NOT A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. Often times we provide free lodging for our old guests drivers connected to travel agencies or private van for hires. But these are the drivers that regularly gives us guests. Not just one time guest
7. We are selective in partnering with travel and tours. We dont accept every travel and tours messaging this page to partner with us, because we know we cant provide all their needs and demands. Thats the reason we only have few partner travel and tours and private van for hires