philippine tourism authority definition

What is Department of Tourism? A Comprehensive Overview

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) functions as the executive department of the Philippine government, with a critical responsibility for regulating the nation’s tourism industry. 

Its primary objective is to promote the Philippines as an appealing and captivating tourist destination on the global stage.

Serving as the primary planning, implementing, and regulatory government agency , the Department of Tourism (DOT) is specifically entrusted with the development and promotion of the Philippine tourism industry, encompassing both domestic and international initiatives.

DOT Job Opportunities:

Discover rewarding career opportunities within the Department of Tourism. Explore diverse roles that contribute to the growth and promotion of the Philippine tourism industry. 

Check out the current job openings listed below or explore more opportunities across various government agencies.

Note: Click on the job title to access detailed job descriptions and find instructions on how to apply. Your journey to a fulfilling career in tourism awaits!

Department of Tourism History:

In 1950, the private initiative known as the Philippine Tourist & Travel Association was established with the aim of promoting the Philippines as a key travel destination. 

In 1956, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry was formed by Congress. Following the Integrated Reorganization Plan in 1972, enacted through Presidential Decree No. 2, the Department of Trade and Tourism was founded, reorganizing the existing Department of Commerce and Industry. 

As part of this reorganization, the Philippine Tourism Commission was established under the unified Trade and Tourism Department to oversee the development of the tourism industry for economic benefit.

In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos elevated the status of tourism by creating a separate cabinet-level Department of Tourism (DOT), dividing it from the Department of Trade and Tourism. 

Within the newly formed Department of Tourism, the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and the Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) were established. 

The Department of Tourism was later renamed the Ministry of Tourism in line with the government’s shift to a new form of governance according to the 1973 Constitution.

In 1986, under Executive Order Nos. 120 and 120-A signed by President Corazon Aquino, the Department of Tourism underwent reorganization. 

The Convention Bureau was rebranded as the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, and the Intramuros Administration, previously under the defunct Ministry of Human Settlements, was attached. 

The culmination of the country’s centennial celebration of independence from the Spanish Empire in 1898 saw the Department of Tourism playing a significant role in 1998.

Initiating a successful tourism promotion project, WOW Philippines, in 2003 under Secretary Richard J. Gordon marked a milestone for the Department of Tourism. 

The most recent advancements in the Philippine tourism industry occurred with the passage of Republic Act No. 9593, known as the ‘Tourism Act of 2009.

“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.”

“To develop a globally competitive, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism industry that promotes inclusive growth through employment generation and equitable distribution of income thereby contributing to building a foundation for a high trusted society.”

Organization Structure of the Department of Tourism (DOT)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) plays a pivotal role in shaping and promoting the Philippine tourism landscape. 

The department is headed by the Secretary of Tourism (Philippines), overseeing a hierarchical structure with key leadership positions. 

The leadership team includes four undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, each entrusted with specific portfolios. 

Undersecretaries:

1. Undersecretary for Administration and Finance

2. Undersecretary for Public Affairs, Communications & Special Projects

3. Undersecretary for Tourism Development Planning

4. Undersecretary for Tourism Promotions

5. Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generations

Assistant Secretaries:

1. Assistant Secretary for Administration and Special Concerns

2. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Communications and Special Projects

3. Assistant Secretary for Product and Market Development

4. Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation for Metro Manila Cluster

5. Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation Coordination & Resource Generation for Luzon and Visayas

Bureaus and Offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT):

The Department of Tourism (DOT) operates seamlessly through a well-structured framework comprising various bureaus and offices. 

Each entity within the department plays a unique and crucial role in fulfilling its mission to promote and develop the Philippine tourism industry. 

Below is an overview of the specialized Bureaus and Offices that collectively contribute to the dynamic operations of the Department of Tourism.

• Bureau of Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information
• Bureau of International Tourism Promotions
• Office of Product Development
• Office of Tourism Coordination
• Office of Tourism Development Planning
• Office of Tourism Information
• Office of Tourism Standards

Agencies of the Department of Tourism (DOT)

Meet the members of the “Department of Tourism Family” – a group of agencies attached to the Department of Tourism (DOT) that work hand in hand to enhance and promote Philippine tourism. 

Each agency has a unique role in contributing to the overall success of the Department of Tourism mission. 

• Tourism Promotions Board (TPB)
• Intramuros Administration (IA)
• National Parks Development Committee (NPDC)
• Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), formerly Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA)
• Duty-Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC)
• Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF)
• Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
• Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD)

These agencies make up the “DOT Family,” working together under the supervision of the Secretary to coordinate programs and policies for the betterment of Philippine tourism.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Department of Tourism (DOT) stands as the driving force behind the promotion and development of the Philippine tourism industry. 

With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the DOT plays a pivotal role in showcasing the beauty and allure of the Philippines on the global stage. 

The structured organization, highlighted by the Secretary of Tourism and a dedicated team of undersecretaries and assistant secretaries, ensures effective leadership and strategic planning.

The historical journey, marked by significant milestones such as the creation of the Department of Tourism in 1973 and the impactful WOW Philippines campaign in 2003, reflects the department’s dedication to elevating the tourism sector.

The organizational structure, featuring specialized bureaus and offices, underscores the DOT’s comprehensive approach to promoting and regulating the tourism industry. 

Each entity within the department plays a crucial role in achieving the overarching mission, contributing to the dynamic operations that define the Department of Tourism.

As the DOT continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the tourism industry, it remains a beacon for those seeking fulfilling careers and for travelers eager to experience the unparalleled beauty and hospitality of the Philippines. 

The future holds exciting possibilities for the DOT, as it continues to shape the narrative of Philippine tourism on both domestic and international fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the Department of Tourism (DOT)?

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for regulating and promoting the nation’s tourism industry. 

Its primary goal is to showcase the Philippines as an attractive and captivating tourist destination globally.

• What are the main functions of the DOT?

The DOT serves as the primary planning, implementing, and regulatory agency for the development and promotion of the Philippine tourism industry, encompassing both domestic and international initiatives.

• How can I explore job opportunities within the Department of Tourism?

Discover fulfilling career opportunities within the DOT by checking the current job openings listed on above. 

Explore diverse roles contributing to the growth and promotion of the Philippine tourism industry.

• What is the history of the Department of Tourism?

The DOT’s roots trace back to 1950 with the establishment of the Philippine Tourist & Travel Association. 

Over the years, it underwent several reorganizations, leading to its current status as a vital department focused on tourism development.

• What is the mission of the DOT?

The mission of the DOT is to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity, generating foreign currency and employment while spreading the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sectors.

• What is the vision of the DOT?

The vision of the DOT is to develop a globally competitive, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible tourism industry that promotes inclusive growth through employment generation and equitable distribution of income.

• Can you explain the organization structure of the DOT?

The DOT is headed by the Secretary of Tourism, supported by undersecretaries and assistant secretaries overseeing specific portfolios. 

The department operates through various bureaus and offices, each playing a unique role in promoting and developing Philippine tourism.

• What are the key bureaus and offices within the DOT?

The DOT operates through bureaus such as Domestic Tourism Promotions and Information, International Tourism Promotions, and various offices including Product Development, Tourism Coordination, Tourism Development Planning, Tourism Information, and Tourism Standards.

• Which agencies are part of the “DOT Family”?

The “DOT Family” includes agencies attached to the DOT, such as the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Intramuros Administration (IA), National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), Duty-Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF), Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), and Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD). 

Each agency plays a unique role in enhancing and promoting Philippine tourism.

• How has the Department of Tourism evolved over the years?

The Department of Tourism has undergone significant evolution since its inception in 1950. 

It started as a private initiative, and through legislative changes and reorganizations, it became a separate cabinet-level department focused on promoting and developing the Philippine tourism industry.

Disclaimer:

The Philippine Go does not collect fees and is not a hiring agency, nor is it related to any hiring agency for employment abroad.  All information contained here is solely for informational purposes and rightfully belongs to its rightful owner.  Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more

• Department of Tourism (Philippines) Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from [ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Tourism_(Philippines) ]

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The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), a government corporation, was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 on May 12, 2009, replacing the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). TIEZA is mandated to continue the functions previously exercised by PTA under Presidential Declaration 564, unless otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of RA 9593.

TIEZA acts as Department of Tourism’s implementing arm in providing support infrastructures and facilitating investments in tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) nationwide. This is carried out through its main functions — infrastructure development; designation, regulation and supervision of TEZs; management of its existing assets or facilitation of their privatization; and administration of the collection of the Philippine Travel Tax.

As the country’s builder of tourism infrastructures, TIEZA brings development to areas with high cultural, historical, religious, heritage and/or eco-tourism values, helping shape a deep sense of awareness and pride for the Filipino’s traditions, natural bounties and uniqueness as a race.

Through the designation, regulation and supervision of TEZs nationwide, private stakeholders are lured to be shared-partners in tourism development. Their investments will indubitably help create jobs and economic activities for the local communities.

The travel tax collection share of TIEZA fuels the priority tourism projects, activities and programs which is in sync with the Philippine Development Plan and the National Tourism Development Plan.

The TIEZA operating properties have served clients from Luzon to Mindanao, bringing services from hotel management to recreation to specialized sports such as golf and scuba diving. TIEZA also developed partnerships with the private sector and with local governments in the management of some of its assets to empower them and their communities.

Proof of its continuing efforts to provide excellence in public service, TIEZA, through teamwork, achieved the ISO 9001:2008 Management System Certification of its core processes in travel tax, infrastructure and asset management. TIEZA pursues continual improvement of its systems, products and services with innovation and creative business undertakings.