tourism law in the philippines

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2213 and House Bill No. 5229 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 6,2009 and March 4, 2009, respectively.

Approved: May 13, 2009

GLORIA MACAPAGAL - ARROYO President of the Philippines

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Philippines ria pilot program, what is the general policy of the government for foreign investments.

The government recognizes the pivotal role of private sector investments and, thereby, commits to continuously enhance the business climate. Foreign investments are encouraged to fill in capital gaps, help provide employment, increase production, and provide a base for the overall development of the economy. Investment rules and regulations have thus been liberalized to facilitate entry of foreign investments. RIA is a process that is part of the broader regulation making and review processes of the departments. The RIA process promotes assessment of the impacts of a regulation with proper methodology, including cost-benefit analysis and stakeholder consultation to ensure that the regulation is effective and efficient in achieving policy objectives while minimising negative effects on stakeholders affected.

Preliminary Impact Assessment (PIA)

The Preliminary Impact Assessment (PIA) is the first stage in assessing the potential impacts of a regulatory proposal on business, government and community and helps in identifying whether a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) is required.

Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS)

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) is the second stage of impact assessment in the regulatory development and review process. Under the initial scope of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) system, a RIS only needs to be prepared where the Preliminary Assessment Statement (PIA) finds that the regulatory proposal is likely to impose a significant impact on business.

Regulatory Assessment Summary

The Regulatory Assessment Summary (RAS) is attached to the regulatory proposal for review by the Departmental RIA Committee, Department of Finance (DOF) and President’s Office (to be confirmed) when seeking approval of the regulation.

Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) Pilot Project

Briefing for Provincial RIA Seminars - Davao and Cebu July 2012 A well functioning regulatory system is an essential component of a modern society. It complements sound fiscal and macro-economic policies. The Philippine Government seeks to strengthen the business climate and improve the competitiveness of the Philippines economy by putting in place a business-enabling regulatory environment that supports doing business in the Philippines. A priority is to reduce and prevent the ‘red tape’ burden (from unnecessary/ excessive regulation) as it adds to the cost of compliance by individuals and business, and of enforcement by government. This requires better consideration of the purpose, economic impacts and compliance costs of regulations. Through a technical assistance program under the PHI Strengthening Institutions for an Improved Investment Climate with the Philippine Government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting the implementation of a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) regime across Departments.

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What is the importance of tourism law in the Philippines?

Importance of tourism law.

Tourism law in the Philippines plays a crucial role in ensuring that the tourism industry operates in a safe, fair, and sustainable manner. The following are some of the key reasons why tourism law is important in the Philippines:

• Protecting tourists: Tourism law helps to protect the rights and interests of tourists who visit the Philippines. This includes ensuring that tourists are not taken advantage of, are provided with accurate information about tourist attractions, and are kept safe from harm.
• Regulating the tourism industry: Tourism law helps to regulate the tourism industry in the Philippines by setting standards for tourism businesses and ensuring that they comply with these standards. This includes requirements for licenses, permits, and certifications for tourism-related businesses such as hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
• Promoting sustainable tourism: Tourism law in the Philippines promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging the development of eco-friendly tourism practices and responsible tourism development. This helps to protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and support local communities.
• Resolving disputes: In cases where disputes arise between tourists and tourism businesses, tourism law provides a legal framework for resolving these disputes fairly and efficiently. This helps to maintain the integrity of the tourism industry and ensure that tourists are treated fairly.
• Generating revenue: The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, and tourism law helps to ensure that this industry operates in a way that generates revenue for the country. This includes regulating tourism-related taxes, fees, and charges, and ensuring that tourism-related businesses pay their fair share.
• Sustainable tourism development: Tourism law in the Philippines promotes sustainable tourism development by encouraging tourism-related businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and supporting the development of community-based tourism initiatives. The DOT also works with local governments and communities to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve natural and cultural heritage sites.
• Resolution of disputes: In cases where disputes arise between tourists and tourism-related businesses, tourism law provides a legal framework for resolving these disputes. This includes provisions for consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration.

Overall, tourism law is a vital component of the Philippine tourism industry. It helps to ensure that tourists are protected, the tourism industry is regulated and sustainable, disputes are resolved fairly, and the industry generates revenue for the country. By promoting responsible tourism practices and protecting the interests of tourists and tourism-related businesses, tourism law helps to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the Philippine tourism industry.

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What Is the Importance of Tourism Law in the Philippines?

By Anna Duncan

Tourism is a crucial industry in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. However, like any other industry, tourism is regulated by law to ensure the safety and protection of both tourists and locals. In this article, we will explore the importance of tourism law in the Philippines.

What Is Tourism Law?

Tourism law refers to a set of laws and regulations that govern the tourism industry. It covers various aspects such as tourist protection, travel agencies’ regulation, tourist accommodations’ standards, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.

The Importance of Tourism Law in the Philippines

Tourist Protection

Tourism law plays a crucial role in protecting tourists’ rights and interests. These laws provide guidelines for tour operators to ensure that their services are safe and secure for tourists.

For example, under Philippine tourism law, travel agencies must register with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to operate legally. This registration process ensures that travel agencies meet certain standards and comply with safety regulations.

Furthermore , hotels and other accommodations must also comply with specific health and safety standards set by DOT. These standards include adequate fire exits, clean drinking water, first aid kits, and proper waste disposal facilities.

• Travel Agency Regulation

Tourism law also regulates travel agencies’ operations to prevent fraudulent practices. Travel agencies must obtain proper permits from DOT before offering tour packages to tourists.

Moreover, DOT has set guidelines for advertising tour packages to ensure that they are not misleading or deceptive.

• Environmental Protection

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders such as beaches, mountains, rivers, and forests. Tourism law plays a critical role in protecting these natural resources from overuse or destruction due to tourism activities.

DOT requires all tourism establishments to follow environmental laws such as proper waste management practices and conservation efforts. The department also conducts regular inspections to ensure that tourism establishments comply with environmental regulations.

• Cultural Preservation

The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world. To preserve this heritage, tourism law requires tourism establishments to respect and promote local culture.

For example, hotels and resorts must showcase local arts and crafts in their décor and provide guests with information about local traditions and practices. Tour guides must also have knowledge about the history and culture of the places they are guiding tourists through.

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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1478

AN ACT TO CREATE A BOARD OF TRAVEL AND TOURIST INDUSTRY, DEFINING ITS POWERS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Section 1. There is hereby created a Board of Travel and Tourist Industry to regulate international travel and tourism with a view to the development of a prosperous Philippine tourist industry. The Board shall be composed of the Secretary of Commerce as Chairman and the under secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Justice and Public Works and Communications, the President of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and the President of the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association, as members.

Section 2. The Board shall have the following responsibilities and duties:

(a) It shall coordinate the activities of all agencies of the government which concern international travel and tourism;

(b) It shall promote the removal of unnecessary barriers to travel and the integration and simplification of travel regulations and requirements as well as their efficient, fair and courteous enforcement to assure expeditious, pleasant and hospitable reception of all tourists and visitors and utmost satisfaction on their part during their stay in the country and upon their departure;

(c) It shall undertake the development of tourist attractions and provide and maintain essential facilities for tourists and travelers where private enterprise is not prepared to take care of them;

(d) It shall organize and support a program of promotion and publicity calculated to interest, attract and induce people abroad to visit the Philippines and patronize things Philippine and to enhance the prestige of the Filipino people and the Republic;

(e) It shall regulate and license the business of travel agents; and

(f) It shall exercise supervision over the operation of all facilities and services that cater to or have anything to do with foreign travelers and tourists with a view to insuring the maintenance of the highest possible standards, reasonable charges, courtesy, honesty and efficiency.

Section 3. To carry out the aims and purposes of this Act, a tax shall be collected on all fares of passengers leaving the country as well as fares for those returning or coming in, if payable here, at the following rates:

(a) If said passage costs not more than sixty pesos, seven pesos and fifty centavos.

(b) If said passage costs not more than sixty pesos and not more than one hundred twenty pesos, twelve pesos.

(c) If said passage costs more than one hundred twenty pesos and not more than two hundred and fifty pesos, fifteen pesos.

(d) If said passage costs more than two hundred and fifty pesos and not more than five hundred pesos, thirty pesos.

(e) If said passage costs more than five hundred pesos, and not more than one thousand pesos, fifty pesos.

(f) If said passage costs more than one thousand pesos, one hundred pesos.

Section two hundred and twenty-eight of Commonwealth Act Numbered Four hundred and sixty-six, as amended, is repealed.

Section 4. This tax shall be collected from the passengers by the carriers and travel agencies issuing foreign travel passenger tickets and they, in turn, shall remit their collections within the first ten days of every succeeding quarter to the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry.

Section 5. An amount not in excess of 50 per cent of such collections and all those which may be effected under section six shall accrue to the funds of the Board to be spent under its authority exclusively for the development of tourist facilities and the promotion of tourism both within the country and abroad, through all well-known media but especially through foreign publicity and advertising. The other fifty per cent shall accrue to the general funds of the Government and shall be accounted for and delivered by the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry to the Treasurer of the Philippines.

Section 6. The Board shall regulate travel agency business, prescribing the necessary rules to be govern their establishment and operation. It shall fix and collect an annual license fee from every individual or group engaged in the travel agency business in an amount not in excess of one hundred pesos a year. No individual or firm shall engage in the travel agency business without being licensed by the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry.

Section 7. In the exercise of its supervisory powers over facilities and services catering to or having anything to do with foreign travelers and tourists, the Board shall prescribe rules and regulations for their operation and maintenance. In case of non-compliance with such rules and regulations, it shall take the necessary steps to cancel or recommend the cancellation of the permits of the offending parties or their prosecution, if warranted.

Section 8. For the purpose of strengthening the competitive position of the Philippines in the field of international tourism, the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation of the Board, may:

(a) Suspend the payment of visa and visa application fees for foreign tourists and travelers coming to the Philippines;

(b) Exempt foreign tourists and travelers from payment of taxes on food, drinks, cigars and cigarettes consumed by them, as well as amusement taxes during their stay in the country;

(c) Allow foreign visitors and travelers leaving the country to carry with them or have mailed or shipped for them within sixty days of their departure, free of export licenses, taxes or fees, any quantity of locally purchased Philippine souvenir or gift goods when the value thereof shall not exceed one thousand pesos;

(d) Transfer to the Board the control and supervision of any such facilities, services, rights and properties, real or personal, as may now be owned, operated or maintained by other government agencies or instrumentalities which may be helpful in the effective promotion and development of the tourist industry.

Section 9. The Philippine Tourist and Travel Association, Inc., which under its charter, Republic Act Numbered Seven hundred and ten is the exclusive agency of the government in the promotion of the tourist industry, shall be the instrumentality of the Board in carrying out the objectives of this Act.

Section 10. The Board shall pass upon the requirements of the said Association and make available out of its revenues as provided for in sections five and six above such sums may be necessary for carrying out its program of activities.

Section 11. The Board of Travel and Tourist Industry shall, five days before the opening of the regular sessions of Congress, submit to Congress a verified detailed report of its collections, disbursements, and activities including those of the Philippine Tourist and Travel Association, Inc. and of its accomplishments and a copy of the plantilla as of December thirty-first of the year immediately preceding.

Section 12. All provisions of law contrary to the provisions of this Act or are inconsistent with its aims and objectives are hereby repealed.

Section 13. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 15, 1956

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Tourism Congress of the Philippines

The Voice of Philippine Tourism Indusstry

TOURISM CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES The Leading Voice of the Philippine Tourism Industry

Created under Philippine Republic Act No. 9593 or the New Tourism Law, the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) aims to grow further the tourism industry of the Philippines.

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Consultative meetings, membership meetings, tourism webinars, recent posts.

• TCP Annual Meeting and Board Elections 2023-2024 happening on November 25, 2022 November 17, 2022
• Output of the DOLE Labor Market Trends June 19, 2021
• Collaborative efforts of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Congress of Philippines amidst COVID-19 pandemic June 19, 2021
• Tourism Congress Elects New Board February 27, 2021

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TCP has benefitted the companies I represent, as well as my own small enterprise, by connecting the Networks of all Tourism related businesses across all regions within the Philippines.

The tourism sector works much better together in showcasing our country as one large tourism destination with many different world class destinations.

The monthly learning events have been both entertaining and educational on an array of fronts.

I have gained new insight into what I am doing right now, and how I can improve the way my business grapples with day-to-day challenges that any growing business encounters.

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