Philippine Tourism History Quiz

Restructuring and Reinvigoration (1980s-1990s)

• The Department of Tourism (DOT) is reorganized in 1986 under the Aquino administration.
• This reform involved President Corazon Aquino and her administration officials.

Tourism Promotion (2003)

• The DOT launches the "Visit Philippines 2003" project to attract visitors in 2003.
• This initiative was overseen by the Department of Tourism Secretary and relevant staff.

Growth and Modernization (2000s-Present)

• The Tourism Act of 2009 is implemented, recognizing tourism as a driver of investment, job creation, and national development.
• This legislation involved the Philippine Congress and the President who signed it into law.
• South Korea becomes the leading source of tourists visiting the Philippines in 2010.
• The Philippine government launches the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign in 2012, boosting tourism.
• The campaign involved a team within the Department of Tourism, including marketing professionals and creatives.

Impact of COVID-19 (2020)

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the tourism industry, causing a drastic drop in international visitors.
• The Department of Tourism adapts by focusing on developing health and safety protocols for restaurants, catering to the growing trend of culinary tourism.
• This initiative involves the Department of Tourism and relevant stakeholders in the restaurant industry.

Pre-Colonial Era (Before Spanish Arrival)

• The Philippines' natural beauty attracts visitors.
• Early Filipinos engage in trade with Southeast Asian neighbors and China, fostering travel and cultural exchange.

Laying the Groundwork (1950s)

• The Philippine Tourist and Travel Association (PTTA) is established in 1950.
• The PTTA focuses on making travel destinations more accessible, enhancing tourism experiences, and promoting tourism among Filipinos.
• The Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (BTTI) is formed in 1956 to create policies for the travel and tourism sector.
• The BTTI involved collaboration from various government officials focused on tourism development.

Centralized Development (1970s)

• The Department of Tourism (DOT) is established in 1972, taking a more centralized approach to managing tourism development.
• This shift signifies a more organized government role in tourism, led by the Department head at the time.
• Additional government agencies are created under the DOT in 1972 by President Ferdinand Marcos: Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB).
• The creation of these sub-agencies suggests the involvement of specific government officials or committees tasked with overseeing these specialized areas of tourism.