Tourism Act of 2009 Overview

Tourism Act of 2009

• Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed the Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act 9593)
• Established tourism as a vital engine for national development, driving investment, employment, and economic growth
• Emphasized the reorganization of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies for effective policy implementation
• Introduced the Tourism Development Fund and the creation of specialized tourism zones

Department of Tourism (DOT) Attached Agencies

• Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA): Formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority, responsible for designating, regulating, and supervising Tourism Economic Zones and overseeing tourism infrastructure projects.
• Tourism Promotions Board (TPB): Formerly the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC), responsible for marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major tourism destination.
• Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC): Formerly Duty Free Philippines, operates duty and tax-free merchandising systems in the Philippines, generating revenue and foreign exchange.
• Intramuros Administration (IA): Focuses on the restoration and development of Intramuros, preserving the historic Spanish period.
• National Parks Development Committee (NPDC): Develops and maintains parks, promoting recreation and cultural education.
• Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD): Regulates scuba sports and technical diving in the Philippines, ensuring safety standards and promoting the sport.
• Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF): Conducts research in social sciences and humanities, promoting tourism, and establishing parks and recreation centers.
• Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA): Attracts foreign nationals and Filipino citizens to retire in the Philippines, bolstering the economy through foreign currency reserves and providing a quality living experience.

Purpose of Visit (2024 Data)

• The majority of inbound travelers visited the Philippines for holiday/pleasure (71.95%).
• Visiting friends and relatives accounted for 9.80% of arrivals.
• Business trips represented 7.29% of total arrivals.
• Other purposes included education, conventions, health reasons, official missions, and incentives, comprising smaller percentages.

Manila Declaration on Tourism (1980)

• Signed during the World Tourism Conference in 1980
• Highlighted tourism's role in promoting peace and socio-economic development, especially in developing countries
• Recognized tourism as a driver of job creation, income generation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development
• Marked the start of global tourism activity.

Importance of Tourism

• Tourism is crucial for national development, impacting cultural, economic, and educational sectors.
• The right to travel and tourism is essential for individual well-being.
• Sustainable tourism development requires minimizing negative impacts.
• Tourism fosters international trade and shared economies, contributing to global development.
• Domestic tourism promotes national awareness and economic growth.
• Tourism contributes to social stability and community capacity building.
• Tourism drives development and enhances community standards of living.
• Tourism promotes intercultural understanding and respect.
• Tourism development should consider elderly and handicapped individuals.
• Tourism fosters global cooperation, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
• Tourism necessitates the preservation of historical, cultural, and religious sites.
• International cooperation in the field of tourism is essential for sustainable growth.

Manila Declaration on the Social Impact of Tourism (1997)

• Adopted in Manila in 1997, leading to the global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
• Emphasizes community involvement in tourism planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Highlights the benefits of tourism development for communities.
• Aims to improve standards of living and increase rural incomes.
• Focuses on preserving the heritage and integrity of tourist destinations while respecting cultural norms.
• Encourages the development of marketing tools for tourism destinations.
• Recognizes the importance of human resource development in tourism and promotes long-term employment support programs.
• Emphasizes international coordination in addressing negative tourism impacts.
• Mobilizes support to prevent and control tourism-related abuse and exploitation.
• Encourages governments to enforce legal frameworks that promote sustainable tourism.

History of Tourism in the Philippines

• The Philippines emerged as a tourism hub after Philippine Airlines became the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific in 1946.
• The Philippine Tourist and Travel Association was established in 1950 to promote tourism.
• The Philippine Congress established the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry in 1956.
• Tourism flourished in the Philippines from the 1970s to the early 1980s.
• President Marcos established the Department of Tourism (DOT) in 1973, recognizing the economic potential of tourism.
• The construction of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in 1976 was a significant accomplishment, positioning the Philippines as a prominent convention destination.
• By 1982, Manila became a top convention city in Asia.
• The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) was established in 1969 and continues to host various cultural and artistic events.
• The Philippine Convention Bureau was renamed the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) in 1986.
• In 2016, the Philippines incorporated MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and events tourism to its portfolio, aligning with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan 2025, positioning the country as a preferred event destination.

Notable Events Hosted by the Philippines

• ASEAN Tourism Summit 2018
• Global Farm Tourism 2018
• Miss Universe 2017
• ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016
• NBA Global Games 2013

This quiz covers the key aspects of the Tourism Act of 2009, including its significance in promoting national development through tourism. It highlights the roles of the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies, specifically the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Tourism Promotions Board.