In 1952, through Republic Act No. 710, the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association (PTTA) was created to bring together all organizations and entities that cater to travel and tourism.
By 1956 through R.A. 1478, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (BTTI) was created under the Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) to serve as the policy-making body for travel and tourism, while the PTTA became its implementing arm.
Presidential Decree No. 189 in 1973 gave birth to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) as its implementing arm for infrastructure development. PD 189 also reconstituted and attached the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to the DOT. In 1976, the Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) was created as DOT's marketing arm for conventions.
In 1986, the Aquino administration sought to put more cohesiveness into the functions of the DOT. Through Executive Order No. 120, the DOT was reorganized in 1987 as the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity in the country.
By virtue of this executive order, PTA remained as attached agency of the DOT. Subsequently, Executive Order No. 120-A reorganized the PCB to the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) as DOT's marketing arm. The CAB, though, was transferred to the Department of Transportation and Communication.
With the completion of the 20-year Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) in 1991, the Ramos administration issued Proclamation No. 188, adopting the TMP as the government's blueprint for tourism development. The proclamation mobilizes all government agencies and the private sector to support and implement the TMP. It also allows the DOT to create committees and task forces that will ensure the implementation of the programs identified in the plan.
The Arroyo administration, anchored on economic sufficiency and political stability, adopted tourism as among its pillars for sustained economic growth by attracting more visitors, extending their length of stay, and increasing the attractiveness of the country's tourism products. Firmly committed to achieve this vision, the Arroyo administration elevated the Secretary of Tourism to a senior cabinet level.
Vision
Improve accessibility of travel destinations,
Make tourism products better and more affordable,
Promote a culture of tourism among local residents, and
Increase recognition of tourism as an effective and efficient tool towards socio-economic development of the Philippines.
Mission
To generate foreign currency and employment;
To spread the benefits of tourism to a wider segment of the population with the support, assistance and cooperation of both the private and public sector; and
To ensure the safe, convenient, enjoyable stay and travel of foreign and
local visitors in the Philippines.
Mandate
The Department of Tourism's mandate was first embodied in Presidential Decree No. 189 which created the Department of Tourism in 1973. It was reorganized structurally and functionally with Executive Order No. 120 signed in January 30, 1987.
Additional Information
Mission
The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall be the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector.
History
1950s - Started as a private initiative, the Philippine Tourist & Travel Association was organized.
1956 - The Board of Travel & Tourist Industry was created by law.
1973 - The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), and Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) were created by the Philippine government.
1986 - Under Executive Order no. 120 and 120-A, DOT and PCB were reorganized structurally and functionally. PCB was renamed Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation.
Functions
Office of the Secretary
The Office of the Secretary provides leadership, direction, and substance to the overall operations of the Department. It formulates policies, plans , programs, rules, and regulations; reviews and evaluates the performance of the Tourism Master Plan and advises the President on all matters affecting the tourism program of the country.
Tourism Promotions Sector
The Tourism Promotion Sector has the primary function of promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination domestically and internationally. It devises integrated marketing and promotional activities such as information dissemination, public relations, special events, and related tourism programs. It likewise supervises the overseas field offices established to implement and enhance the tourism development and promotion program of the Department in the international field.
Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector
The Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector is tasked to ensure the pleasant entry, stay, and exit of tourists. It formulates standards of quantity and efficiency for tourism-oriented establishments, among others, done through an accreditation system. Tourist establishments' compliance to policies are monitored to make sure that their facilities and services are operated and maintained according to acceptable international norms. The Sector also supervises DOT's regional operations established to implement the policies, plans, programs, and regulations of the Department and to maintain the delivery of efficient and effective frontline services for the tourism industry.
Planning, Product Development and Coordination
The Tourism Planning, Product Development and Coordination Sector is responsible for the formulation and updating of the Tourism Master Plan, together with its component programs. The Sector monitors the effective implementation of the Tourism Master Plan and, in coordination with the private sector and other government institutions , develops and conceptualizes new products and investment opportunities designed to enhance tourist sites and facilities.
Internal Services Sector
The Internal Services Sector ensures the smooth and legal functioning of the operations of the Department through the provision of effective and efficient advice and services in the areas of personnel management, human resources development, general services administration, computerization and information technology services, budgetary, financial and management services, and including investigatory and advisory services.
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