The Department of Tourism is an agency under the national government of the Republic of the Philippines, responsible for creating and maintaining a favorable environment for the growth of tourism in the country. The DOT seeks to attract tourists to visit the Philippines and to ensure their safety while in the country. This aims to improve economic, social, and cultural value of tourism amongst Filipinos. In this respect, there had been significant improvements in the Philippine tourism industry over the last decade or so.
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As the Department of Tourism is responsible for the country’s development in the tourism industry, its goal is to promote growth and increase opportunities in tourism, contributing to job generation and poverty alleviation in rural areas. However, there’s so much more to this department than what is typically known to mot Filipinos. In this guide, we will take a look at the services of the department and how its programs affect Filipinos and the country’s economy, in general. Keep reading to learn more.
What is the Meaning of DOT?
DOT stands for the Department of Tourism in the Philippines.
What is the Purpose of DOT?
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is the primary planning, implementing, and regulatory government agency tasked to develop and promote the Philippine tourism industry, both domestic and international.
The agency is also tasked to manage, operate, and maintain all government-owned tourism facilities. It is the sole owner of all Philippine tourism-related trademarks, as well as its logo and slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” The DOT is headed by a Secretary who reports directly to the President of the Philippines.
The DOT is mandated to formulate tourism plans and programs to promote, develop and regulate the country’s tourism industry as a major socio-economic activity that generates foreign currency and local employment, and 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 sectors.
The DOT is also responsible for promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination, and to this end has created several tourism campaigns that have become well-known around the world. These include “It’s more fun in the Philippines;” “Pilipinas Kay Ganda;” “Sights, Sounds and Flavors of the Philippines;” and “Traveling with Children”.
The DOT envisions “to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination in Asia”. This vision aims to make travel an integral part of Filipino life through sustainable tourism development that will create new jobs for Filipinos while conserving heritage sites and protecting cultural identities.
In its commitment to serve its purpose, the department is working with the following agencies:
Duty-Free Philippines Corporation: a government-owned and controlled corporation which operates the country’s airports and seaports. The company is engaged in the sale of duty-free goods to foreign nationals who are transiting or on a stopover in any of its facilities. It also operates retail stores at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 2, NAIA Terminal 3, Clark Intl. Airport and Mactan-Cebu Intl. Airport.
Intramuros Administration: the agency responsible for the administration, promotion, and development of Intramuros as one of the country’s tourist destinations.
National Museum: the government agency mandated to preserve, develop, and promote Philippine history and culture through its collection of artefacts, books, documents, and other materials related to Filipino heritage.
National Parks Development Committee: the agency responsible for the administration, development, promotion and protection of all national parks and other protected areas in the country. The committee is also tasked with promoting ecotourism activities that are consistent with preserving the natural resources found in these areas.
Nayong Pilipino Foundation: the government agency mandated to manage and develop the country’s tourism infrastructure through its Nayong Pilipino Parks, a network of theme parks showcasing Philippine culture and heritage. The foundation was formed in 2002 as a subsidiary of the DOTC.
Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving: the government agency tasked with promoting and protecting the interests of recreational divers in the Philippines. The PCSSD is also responsible for regulating scuba diving activities in all Philippine waters and for ensuring that divers are properly trained and equipped before engaging in these activities.
Philippine Retirement Authority: the government agency tasked with managing the country’s pension and retirement funds. The PRSA was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 386, which was issued by former President Fidel Ramos in 1996.
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA): the agency that oversees the development of tourism infrastructure and enterprise zones in the Philippines. TIEZA is tasked with promoting sustainable tourism, managing public-private partnerships, developing private property for tourism purposes, and providing assistance to investors interested in setting up new businesses in the country.
Tourism Promotions Board Philippines: the entity that promotes tourism in the Philippines. The Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines is a government agency under the Department of Tourism. It was created through Executive Order No. 546, which was signed by former President Fidel Ramos on June 21, 1995.
Brief History
The Philippine Travel & Tourism Association was established in 1950 to promote the country as a major travel destination. In 1956, the Board of Travel & Tourist Industry was established by Congress as a law following the Integrated Reorganization Plan of 1972.
The following year, the Department of Commerce and Industry was merged with the Trade and Tourism Department to form a new agency known as the Philippine Tourism Commission. The objective of the commission is to oversee the development of the tourism industry in the country.
In 1973, President Ferdinand Marcos established a new Department of Tourism, which was composed of two separate agencies. One of these was the Philippine Tourism Authority, while the other was the Philippine Convention Bureau. The new agency was then renamed the Ministry of Tourism. The structure of the department was changed following the implementation of the 1973 Constitution, which provided for the division of government.
In 1986, President Corazon Aquino signed Executive Order 120 and 120A, which reorganized the Department of Tourism. The Convention Bureau was then renamed the Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation. The Intramuros Administration was also included in the department. In 1998, the Tourism Department was instrumental in celebrating the country’s independence from Spain.
In 2003, the Department of Tourism launched the World Wide Opportunities for Philippines (WOW Philippines) project, which was under the leadership of Senator Richard Gordon.
The passage of Republic Act 9593 in 2009 was regarded as the most significant event in the tourism industry of the Philippines.
Functions and Responsibilities of DOT
The Department of Tourism is responsible for promoting tourism in the Philippines. It does this by developing and managing tourist spots, as well as promoting them through advertising campaigns. The department also regulates the industry to ensure that all businesses are operating within the law.
Office of the Secretary
The Office of the Secretary is responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Department of Tourism. It is also responsible for developing policies and programs, reviewing the effectiveness of the Master Plan, and advising the President on all matters related to the tourism industry.
Tourism Promotions Sector
The Department of Tourism’s tourism promotion sector is responsible for promoting the Philippines as a preferred tourist destination. It is also responsible for developing and implementing marketing programs and promotional activities that are geared toward increasing the country’s tourism profile. It also oversees the department’s overseas field offices that are responsible for enhancing the tourism promotion program of the country.
Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector
The sector is responsible for ensuring that the various services and facilities of tourist establishments are maintained and operated in a manner that is consistent with international standards. This includes setting uniform standards for the quality of service and ensuring that the establishments are following proper safety and environmental practices.
This division is also responsible for overseeing the implementation of the department’s policies and programs, as well as maintaining the effectiveness of the department’s regional offices.
Planning, Product Development and Coordination
The division is responsible for developing and implementing the department’s Master Plan, as well as its various component programs. It is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the plan and developing new investment opportunities that will benefit the tourism industry.
Internal Services Sector
The division’s various sections provide effective and efficient services to the Department of Tourism, which ensures that its operations are conducted in a legal and ethical manner. These include human resources management, information technology services, general services administration, and budgetary management.
The Department of Tourism is responsible for the following:
-To formulate and implement plans and policies on tourism development in coordination with other government agencies involved in tourism promotion.
-To provide direction, supervision and control over the performance of all tourism-related activities by local government units (LGUs) within their respective territorial jurisdiction.
-To formulate and implement policies on the development and promotion of international tourism.
-To exercise supervision over the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), including its local offices.
-To coordinate with other government agencies concerned with tourism development in order to ensure that their policies will not be inconsistent or conflicting.
Laws enacted by the DOT
-Republic Act No. 9183 (Tourism Act of 2004), which provides for the establishment of a National Tourism Promotion Board and a Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority;
-Republic Act No. 7916 (Tourist Attractions Development Act of 1995) is aimed at promoting tourist attractions development in the country through its provision on incentives to investors;
-Republic Act No. 7593 (An act providing for the establishment of an inter-island linkage system);
-Republic Act No. 7591 (An act establishing the Philippine Tourism Authority); and
-Senate Bill No. 1526 (Tourism Development Fund Act of 2009).
List of Programs and Services of DOT
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is the government agency responsible for promoting and developing the Philippine tourism industry. It is headed by a Secretary of Tourism appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The DOT has several programs and services, namely:
International Inbound Marketing Program
International Inbound Marketing Program is a service that promotes Philippine tourism to foreign markets. It aims to attract more international tourists to visit the country and spend their money here. This program also helps in promoting local tourism products, services, and events overseas so they can be known by international travelers.
Inbound Marketing Support Services
The Inbound Marketing Support Services is a program that helps develop marketing strategies for the Philippine tourism industry. It also assists local government units (LGUs) and private companies in developing their tourism products, services, and events.
The program also supports the development of a brand identity for Philippine tourism. It aims to establish the country as a prime destination for international visitors by ensuring enough travel-related products and services are available in the market.
Outbound Marketing Program
The Outbound Marketing Program aims to promote Philippine tourism in key markets abroad. It also provides support services for local travel agencies and tour operators. The program helps set up trade shows, road shows, and other events that allow local tourism stakeholders to showcase their products or services to international visitors.
Marketing Research and Intelligence Division
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Division (MRID) is the central marketing research unit of the Department of Tourism. It provides business intelligence to help guide the Department’s marketing strategies and plans. The division conducts market surveys, researches trends in tourism demand, and analyzes data on visitor arrivals by country of origin.
Information Technology Center, Inc.
The Information Technology Center, Inc. (ITC) is the IT arm of the Department of Tourism. It provides information technology services to multiple government agencies, including the DTI and other departments under the DOTr, such as CICT and CAAP. The division also handles e-commerce systems for both domestic and international travelers.
Tourism Promotions Board
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is the government agency responsible for promoting tourism in the Philippines. It implements various projects and programs that aim to boost tourism arrivals and generate more revenue from the industry. The TPB also manages advertising campaigns, such as “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, which aims to increase awareness of Philippine destinations among international travelers.
Undersecretary for Tourism Program Management Office
The Undersecretary for Tourism Program Management Office (TPMO) is an agency under the Department of Tourism that oversees the implementation of various programs and projects. The TPMO also monitors the activities of other government agencies involved in tourism, such as CAAP, TPB, and DOT. Its main functions include creating tourism development policies and monitoring other agencies’ implementation.
World Trade Center Manila
The World Trade Center Manila (WTCM) is a business-centered building located along Pasay Road in Makati, Philippines. It is one of the most prominent landmarks in Metro Manila and is currently the country’s fourth tallest building. The building houses several shops, restaurants and offices that cater mainly to foreign companies doing business in the Philippines.
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Check Payables: The agency’s payables or obligations to its creditors can be made through the issuance of modified disbursement system checks or government checks. These checks are usually issued after the approval of related documents.
Collection of Payments for Accreditation and Training/Fees/Bid Documents: All payments for the various services and activities of the Department of Tourism, including the accreditation and training, must be made in cash or check. These can be made through the following procedures: Order of Payment from the Accounting Division or the Accreditation Office.
Endorsement for Special Investor’s Resident Visa: -The service of the DOT endorsement saves you time and money because it gets you a resident visa without having to go back to your home country. You will be able to travel in and out of the Philippines with no problem as long as your visa is valid.
Endorsement of Tourism Development Project to the Board of Investments: The DOT endorsement of a tourism development project to the BoI is an essential step in getting a visa for your foreign investor. The BoI will help you decide which projects are eligible for investment by foreigners and how much money can be invested. If approved, you will get a certificate of investment eligibility that shows that the project has been approved. This document must be submitted with all other documents when applying for your visa at the Philippine embassy or consulate in your home country.
Endorsement for Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) Proposal: The DOT also has a Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP), which is designed to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure through the construction of roads, bridges and flyovers. If you have a TRIP proposal and need an endorsement from the DOT for funding purposes, you will have to submit your proposal in person at any DOT office or send it via mail. The application form can be downloaded from the DOT website.
External Communications Handling: If you are a foreign company that wishes to set up an office in the Philippines, you will have to register with the SEC as an External Communications Handling (ECHC) agent. This is a requirement under Republic Act No. 1067 or the Securities Regulation Code of 2000. Once registered, your company will be able to provide services in relation to foreign investment into the country and communications between investors and their local partners.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests: If you are a foreign company, you may have to deal with Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. These are requests for documents that can be made by anyone who is interested in obtaining information about the government’s activities and policies. The government can reject these requests if they relate to “classified” matters or if providing the requested information would pose a security risk.
DOT Internship Application: Students who are interested in working as an intern with the Department of Tourism can apply online or by walk-in applications. To be eligible, you must be a Filipino citizen, have finished at least one year of college education, and speak English fluently. The application process involves submitting your resume and cover letter outlining why you would like to work with the DOT.
Issuance of Certificate of Tax Withheld: To get a Certificate of Tax Withheld, you need to submit an application form and pay the required fees. The DOT will then issue a certificate for you within three working days. This document is proof that your taxes have been withheld from your payment.
LDDAP/ADA Payables: To get LDDAP/ADA payables, you have to register with the DOT and apply for a license. After that, you will receive a list of documents needed to complete your application. You will then submit these documents and pay the required fees in order to get a license from the department.
Maintenance of Databank of Property Offerings: You need to maintain the databank of property offerings, which will be updated as soon as a new listing is added or an existing one is changed. You are also responsible for ensuring that all information in this database is accurate and up-to-date.
Media Coverage Requests: The Department of Tourism has a procedure for providing media and communication support to its various offices. These include its regional offices and other tourism-related agencies.
Payment through Checks: The agency’s obligations or payments to its creditors can be made through the use of a modified disbursement system, which is also known as government checks. These checks are issued after the approval of various documents.
Processing of Application for Vacant Position: The HR process for the recruitment of internal and external candidates for vacant positions is carried out according to the requirements of the ORAOHRA. As of 2017, the deadline for filling up positions has been set at nine months.
Readily Available Photos, Videos, and/or Reports Requests: The Department of Tourism’s media and communications department is responsible for providing a variety of media and communication services to its various offices.
Statistics Technical Assistance: The procedure for approval of requests for statistical data related to tourism is established by the Department of Tourism. It allows employees and other individuals to request such data.
Technical Assistance to Local Government Unit for Tourism Development Projects: The procedure for approval of a local government’s request for assistance in developing tourism infrastructure is outlined in this document.
Video: Department of Tourism-Philippines INFOMERCIAL
Here is an infomercial discussing the overview and Governance Performance Task of the Department of Tourism.
The Department of Tourism is responsible for promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination and for overseeing the country’s tourism industry. The department is headed by a Secretary of Tourism, who is a member of the Cabinet.
The department is tasked with developing and implementing policies and programs to improve the competitiveness of the Philippines as a tourist destination. It is also responsible for promoting the country’s tourism industry, and for regulating the tourism sector.
The department has several key units, including the Tourism Promotions Board, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and the Philippine Tourism Authority. These units work together to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination and to develop and implement policies and programs to improve the country’s tourism industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the role of the Department of Tourism in the hospitality industry?
The responsibilities of field offices include overseeing the activities of their staff members and providing them with the necessary information to make informed decisions. They are also responsible for the classification and approval of hotels and restaurants.
2. Who are the officers of the Philippine Department of Tourism?
The Department of Tourism is headed by Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat. Her deputies are Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning Benito Bengzon Jr. and Assistant Secretary for External Affairs Rene Tingzon.
3. What are the functions of the DOT?
The DOT’s main functions are to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry; formulate policies and programs that will attract tourists; coordinate with other government agencies, local governments and private entities in order to implement these policies; conduct research on tourism-related issues, and provide information about the Philippines’ attractions to foreign tourists.
4. What are some achievements of the DOT?
The DOT has successfully attracted more foreign tourists to the Philippines. In 2017, the country welcomed almost 10 million visitors—a record high since it began recording tourist arrivals in 1952. The DOT also launched several projects that support the Philippine tourism industry, such as the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign in 2012 and its website, VisitPhilippines.com; the creation of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in order to help develop tourism-related infrastructure; and the establishment of the Department of Tourism Academy (DOT Academy) to train local government officials, travel agents, and other stakeholders.
5. What are the roles and responsibilities of a tour guide?
Tour guides are responsible for providing travelers with information about the places they visit. They should also be able to manage groups and individuals, act as an intermediary between clients and local authorities (such as police officers), and make sure their clients have a memorable experience.
6. What steps should I take to become a licensed tour guide?
You should first make sure that you’re eligible for a tour guide license. You can apply for one at the Tourism Academy (DOT Academy) or the Department of Tourism (DOT).
7. Do I need a license to be a tour guide?
Yes. You will need to apply for a license from the Tourism Academy (DOT Academy) or Department of Tourism (DOT). What are the requirements for becoming a licensed tour guide? First, you must be at least 18 years old. Next, you should have completed a course on tourism in an accredited school or university. You should also pass the licensure exam and submit your application form with all necessary documents (including proof of citizenship).
8. Where can I apply for accreditation as a Tour Guide, Tour Escort or Tour Conductor in PH?
You can apply for accreditation at the Department of Tourism (DOT) or the Tourism Academy (DOT Academy).
9. How is my Tour Guide license printed and issued by the DOT?
Your license will be printed in a booklet form, which you can use as proof of your accreditation. The license is valid for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed upon submission of additional requirements.
10. Is there an expiration date on my Tour Guide license?
Yes. Your license will be valid for one year from the date of issue and can be renewed upon submission of additional requirements.
Summary
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is the government agency responsible for promoting tourism in the Philippines. It is under the Office of the President and led by Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. The DOT, which was established in 1959, promotes tourism through various programs and projects, including tourism promotions and marketing strategies, international trade fairs, grants to domestic and foreign travel agencies, airline companies and hotel chains, as well as airport improvements.
One of the biggest challenges facing the DOT is to increase international arrivals. In 2016, about 5 million tourists visited the Philippines; however, this number has yet been reached again since then due to political instability and other issues such as traffic congestion in Manila and increasing crime rates.
The DOT is also tasked with managing travel warnings issued by other countries against traveling to certain areas due to safety concerns or natural disasters. For example, travelers were advised against visiting Boracay Island after it was closed down due to environmental degradation caused by excessive tourism activities in 2018.
Filipinos, including OFWs, benefit from the work of the DOT by receiving more travel advice and tips from the agency’s website and social media accounts. This ensures that travelers are aware of the potential dangers and risks associated with traveling to certain places. The DOT also works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that Filipinos abroad are protected from exploitation and abuse.
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Contact Information
Address: IPO Building, The, 351 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila
Telephone Number: 0284595200
Website: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/
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