tourism product example in the philippines

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: How to be a Responsible Traveler

What is Sustainable Tourism?

15 ways to be a responsible traveler in the philippines, 1. visit ecotourism destinations and attractions in the philippines, 2. stay at eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the philippines, 3. book with dot-accredited local tour operators, 4. leave no trace, 5. bring reusable utensils and refillable bottles, 6. go on cultural immersions, 7. try farm tours, 8. eat at local restaurants, 9. follow proper interaction with wildlife, 10. reduce your carbon footprint with your transport choices, 11. explore nearby destinations, 12. spend more time in destinations, 13. support local when buying souvenirs, 14. use environment-friendly travel products, 15. go digital.

Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is home to many natural tourist spots . Stunning islands, spectacular beaches, breathtaking mountains, and rare endemic wildlife are just some of the reasons why you should visit the Philippines . It’s no surprise that the Philippines attracts millions of tourists every year, and while this is great for the country’s economy, it could affect its natural attractions, especially if tourists do not follow responsible travel and sustainable tourism practices. 

In fact, in 2020, it was reported that the Philippines was ranked 94th out of 99 countries when it comes to promoting sustainable tourism. In 2018, the top island Philippine destination called Boracay was closed to the general public for six months for rehabilitation.

See our popular Philippines Tour Packages

Relaxing 4-day beachfront mithi resort bohol package from manila, amazing 4-day movenpick boracay 5-star resort package with airfare from manila or clark & transfers, fuss-free 3-day bohol package at mithi resort with airfare from manila & transfers.

Boracay, one of the most popular Visayas tourist spots , was suffering from deteriorating environmental conditions, partly due to the millions of tourists who visit it every year. These are just some reasons why practicing and promoting sustainable tourism in the Philippines is important.

Through campaigns like Save our Spots , the Department of Tourism has encouraged domestic and foreign tourists to travel responsibly and sustainably. The least we can do as tourists is to follow sustainable practices in the Philippines to help protect our environment. But there’s more to sustainable travel than just following the leave no trace principles.

In this article, we give you more ways you can help conserve the Philippines’ best natural assets on your next vacation in the Philippines .

See our popular Philippines Vacation Packages

El Nido, Palawan

Sustainable tourism is the practice of considering the impact of tourism on the environment, the economy, and society while at the same time taking into account the needs of the tourists, the host communities, and the industry.

Why is sustainable tourism important? If we don’t take care of the natural resources in our tourist spots, it will lead to their deterioration and destruction, and future generations won’t be able to appreciate their beauty, while those from the tourism industry can potentially lose their jobs and source of income.

Being a responsible tourist is just one way to ensure that the best places to visit in the Philippines remain beautiful and open for everyone to enjoy.

See our popular Boracay Vacation Packages

Luxurious 5-day boracay package at 5-star movenpick resort & spa with airfare & chocolate hour, stress-free 4-day boracay package at tides hotel with airfare from manila or clark & island hopping.

What are the 15 principles of sustainable tourism? There are many ways to be a responsible tourist in the Philippines and here are just some of them:

Basco Lighthouse in Batanes

The Philippines is home to many tourist attractions, and apart from the top tourist spots in the Philippines , there are ecotourism destinations and attractions like Batanes , The Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, Palaui Island in Cagayan, and Apo Island in Negros Oriental. These places and spots not only offer amazing local experiences but also give you the chance to practice responsible tourism as the local communities and stakeholders follow some of the best practices in sustainable tourism.

The people of Batanes, for example, have done a wonderful job of preserving the culture of the Ivatans by keeping their stone houses intact. The locals here also practice sustainable fishing and farming, while the local government prioritizes local culture and investors, which is why instead of 5-star hotels, you’ll mostly find homestays here.

See our popular Eco Tours

Shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers, bohol chocolate hills countryside private tour with transfers & add-on loboc river cruise lunch, manila intramuros historical express 90-minute tour in eco-friendly bamboo bike + optional upgrades.

Photo by El Nido Resorts group

Your choice of accommodations is also another way how to practice sustainable tourism. Staying at some of the best eco-friendly resorts in the Philippines allows you to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling. Eco-friendly hotels follow sustainable practices such as organic farming, tree planting, rainwater recycling, solid waste segregation, composting, coastal clean-ups, farm-to-table dining, using local building materials, and using solar energy.

See our popular Philippine Luxury Vacation Packages

Upscale 4-day coron club paradise palawan resort island package with flights from manila or clark, luxurious 3-day coron club paradise palawan resort island package with flights from manila.

Look for properties that have certification or awards from the Philippine Green Building Initiative, Inc, the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, or the DOT’s ANAHAW Philippine Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Of course, you can also do more beyond just booking and staying at these hotels and resorts. You can turn off all the electronic devices, including the air conditioner, when leaving your hotel room. Let the staff know you will be reusing your towels, bed linen, and sheets. If your room is clean anyway, hang the “Don’t Disturb” sign to prevent unnecessary vacuuming and cleaning.

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service, palawan el nido shared island hopping tour a with lunch & transfers | secret lagoon, shimizu island, private puerto princesa airport to or from el nido town transfer service.

ATV Ride in Mt. Mayon, Legazpi, Albay

The Department of Tourism has advised local hotels, resorts, and tour operators to seek DOT accreditation so the department can help them adopt sustainable tourism practices. DOT-accredited accommodations and tour operators get access to technical tools that will help them become sustainable. This is part of the DOT’s plan on how to develop sustainable tourism in the country. 

When you tour the Philippines , book with DOT-accredited travel agencies like Guide to the Philippines. We partner with DOT-accredited hotels, resorts, and tour operators and help them to widen their global reach by showcasing their products online in our platform. 

See our popular Legazpi Tours and Activities

Mayon volcano legazpi atv ride black lava wall trail with guide & transfers, albay best views of mayon sightseeing & culture tour with snacks & transfers from legazpi, albay private half-day tour from legazpi with lunch | cagsawa ruins, daraga church, sumlang lake.

Daku Island in Siargao

The “Clean as you go” or CLAYGO rule should be followed not only when you travel but in your everyday life. Simply put, leave no trace means you don’t leave any item when you visit a natural tourist destination. This rule is mainly for litter like tissue, food wrappers, and plastic bottles, but be mindful of unintentionally leaving behind personal belongings, which could also end up harming the environment. 

Some tourist destinations like the Pink Beach in Zamboanga have their own strict leave no trace policies, and those who violate them can be charged fines or put in jail and/or community service. 

See our popular Zamboanga Tours and Activities

Zamboanga pink sand sta. cruz island private tour with vinta ride, lunch & transfers, zamboanga city private historical day tour with transfers, dapitan zamboanga del norte day tour with optional side trip to dipolog city.

Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay

One simple way to practice how to be a responsible traveler is to bring your own reusable utensils and water bottles when you travel. This will help reduce your use of single-use plastics and lessen your carbon footprint when traveling. If you’re worried about these items taking too much space in your bag, you should consider foldable travel spoons, forks, and chopsticks and collapsible water bottles. 

Similar to the leave no trace policy, some places in the Philippines have tried reducing waste by banning single-use plastics. In Siargao , for example, plastic bags are not allowed, and restaurants are prohibited from selling water in plastic bottles. El Nido also has a plastic ban which requires all boat passengers to surrender their single-use plastic bottles and bags before boarding.

See our popular Siargao Tours and Activities

Private siargao tri island hopping tour with hotel transfers | guyam, naked, daku islands, siargao airport to/from any hotel in general luna | private transfers, siargao land tour to magpupungko rock pools, cloud 9, coconut mountain view & more with transfers.

Ifugao native at the Banaue Rice Terraces

The Philippines is home to many different cultures, and one way to experience some of these cultures and how to encourage sustainable tourism is to go on a cultural immersion in an indigenous village. Cultural immersion can be as simple as sharing a meal with some of the locals or participating in their local activities or as immense as living with the locals in their homes for a period of time. Many Luzon tourist spots like Buscalan, Batad, Banaue , and Sagada offer homestays for tourists.

Whatever path you choose, make sure to always be respectful of the traditions, rituals, and the locals themselves. Learning about another culture and way of life will not only be a learning experience, but it will also help you appreciate the destination even more.

See our popular Cultural Tours

Bohol countryside private tour & shared loboc river lunch cruise with transfers, bohol countryside private tour with loboc river cruise lunch & transfers from cebu city.

Photo by Bohol Bee Farm

When we think about what are the characteristics of a sustainable tourism destination, many of them can actually be found on a farm, so staying at or touring a farm is a no-brainer when it comes to traveling responsibly.

The Philippine agrotourism industry has bloomed, thanks to the country’s best farm tour destinations . Agrotourism in the Philippines offers agricultural activities like feeding animals, picking your own fruits and vegetables, and various workshops, including cooking demonstrations. 

Take it to the next level by staying at farm resorts in the Philippines . Spending a couple of days in these farm stays will not only teach you how to achieve sustainable tourism, but it will also teach you ways of how to be more sustainable in your daily routine.

See our popular Farm Tours

Bohol countryside tour with loboc river cruise lunch & panglao island tour, tagaytay palace in the sky taal view & farms shared day tour with lunch & transfers from manila, guimaras top attractions & island hopping tour with lunch & transfers from iloilo city.

Filipino cuisine offers a variety of tastes, smells, and textures, and if you can’t have a meal at an actual Filipino home, the next best way to experience it is in a local Filipino restaurant. Not only will you experience a more authentic meal, but you will also help out small businesses thrive. 

Patronizing local restaurants also help the environment. Local restaurants that source their ingredients locally have a smaller carbon footprint because the produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach their destination. While eating at any restaurant, remember that you can help reduce your food waste and promote sustainability by only ordering food that you can finish and ordering dishes with ingredients that are in season.

See our popular Food Tours

Coffee farm tour at amadeo cavite near manila & tagaytay with live brewing & tasting sampler, manila binondo & intramuros full-day tour with guide & transfers, iloilo city food tour & sightseeing with transfers | la paz batchoy, pancit molo, jaro church.

Tarsier in Bohol

Not all wildlife attractions are created equal. Do your research and look for those that consider the welfare of the creatures that they feature. Show that you know how to travel responsibly by following all the rules set by the guides.

For example, when visiting the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol , you will be told to stay quiet as much as possible, not use flash when taking photos, and refrain from touching the tarsiers to ensure that they won’t get stressed.

See our popular Bohol Tours and Activities

Bohol countryside tour chocolate hills to loboc river cruise lunch with hotel transfers, bohol island hopping private tour to balicasag & virgin islands with dolphin watching & transfers.

If you want to see and swim with whale sharks in Donsol, you will be told to keep your distance from the animals and not use flash photography to avoid startling and hurting them.

See our popular Sorsogon Tours and Activities

Sorsogon donsol firefly tour with transfers, sorsogon matnog island hopping tour with lunch & transfers | tikling island, juag marine sanctuary, sorsogon tour package to bulusan park & top attractions with lunch & transfers from legazpi.

Bamboo bike ride in Intramuros, Manila

Transportation can greatly add to your carbon footprint, but with many options for traveling to and within a destination, your choices can help you lessen that. When taking flights, choose direct flights over those with layovers. Heavier airplanes also consume more fuel, so do your part and pack as light as you can.

How to achieve sustainable tourism while exploring a destination? Choose to walk or bike whenever possible. Not only do you help reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also get to appreciate your surroundings more since you are passing by them at a slower pace. Destinations like Boracay and Intramuros in Manila offer bike tours in the Philippines where you can explore attractions while burning some calories!

If your stops are not close enough to bike or walk to, use public transportation or shared rides instead of using a private vehicle. 

See our popular Manila Tours & Activities

Manila binondo shared walking food tour with guide, manila intramuros shared half-day walking tour with guide.

Anawangin Cove in Zambales

Of course, if you can forego the flights altogether, the better, as this means your carbon footprint will be lower. The Philippines is full of amazing destinations that, chances are, you don’t need to board a flight to see at least one of the best beaches near Manila or the best beaches in the Philippines . If you want to explore Luzon, you can go on a road trip near Manila and enjoy nearby places like Pampanga , Bataan , Batangas , and Tagaytay .

Posting about your trips is also a simple way of how to promote sustainable tourism. If more people knew about the amazing destinations that are near where they live, more travelers would be willing to explore these, which helps distribute tourists across several destinations more evenly.

See our popular Tagaytay Vacation Packages

Relaxing 3-day tagaytay package at quest hotel with breakfast & massage at nurture wellness village, amazing 7-day volcano adventure tour package to tagaytay, tarlac & albay with accommodations.

While it is sometimes tempting to pack a lot of destinations in your travel itinerary, consider limiting your vacation to just one area. Staying in one location reduces your carbon emissions since you don’t need to travel from one destination to the next. Booking a holiday in one place also means less time actually traveling and more time exploring, which allows you to spend more time in attractions because your visits aren’t rushed. 

For an even more convenient vacation, you can book Philippine tour packages . Some of these packages already include accommodations and tours, so you can focus on taking in and appreciating the destination itself.

Whether you visit Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao tourist spots , you’ll likely find a shop or even roving vendors selling unique and locally made souvenirs. Patronizing these small businesses will not only help the local industry thrive, but the items you will buy will more likely have a smaller carbon footprint compared to those that you can find in big shops since locally made souvenirs don’t need to travel far to reach the customers.

See our popular Baguio Tours and Activities

Baguio city shared cultural & outdoor tour with lunch & snack | mines view park, tam-awan village, atok gardens day tour with transfers from baguio | northern blossom, sakura park & tayao gardens, baguio top cultural & heritage attractions tour with lunch & transfers.

If you can, visit shops that actually allow tourists to see the production process so you can learn about and understand the local heritage more. In places like Zamboanga City , Vigan , and Baguio , you can visit weaving centers and villages to see how local fabric is made.

See our popular Vigan Tours and Activities

Ilocos sur vigan city heritage & sightseeing tour with horse-drawn carriage ride & transfers, vigan historical sightseeing city day tour with transfers & kalesa ride, ilocos sur tour to vitalis villas resort, historical & outdoor adventure with transfers from vigan.

It is also better to buy souvenirs that you will actually use so you can lessen waste and save money. For example, when visiting Laguna tourist spots , it is advisable to drop by Liliw so you can shop for affordable but sturdy slippers and shoes.

See our popular Laguna Tours and Activities

Enchanted kingdom day pass with unlimited rides and optional bus transfers, laguna mt. romelo & waterfalls shared minor day hike with transfers from manila, san pablo laguna tour to heritage and museum sites with snacks & souvenir.

Banol Beach in Coron, Palawan

Sometimes the products we use on our travels affect the environment negatively. The chemicals on our sunblock and our insect repellant can have chemicals that are harmful to the reefs, the sea, and the rest of the environment. Before your trip, look for sunscreen and insect repellants made from natural ingredients that won’t harm the planet. 

Sand- and water-repelling towels are also good to use when you’re traveling to the best beaches in the Philippines . Bringing home sand stuck to your towel may be just a mild annoyance to you, but put together all the sand travelers accidentally bring home, and you have a beach eroding faster than usual. 

See our popular Coron Vacation Packages

Budget-friendly 4-day coron palawan package at skylodge resort with flights from manila & tour, stress-free 5-day coron palawan package at bacau bay resort with flights from manila, comfy 4-day coron palawan budget package at ruhe suites with flights from manila, tour & transfers.

Photo by Clark International Airport

What is the aim of sustainable tourism? It is to ultimately protect the environment while also taking into consideration the need of travelers and tourism stakeholders. One of the simplest ways you can help is to ditch the printed itineraries and tickets and go fully digital.

Most airlines and hotels now accept digital copies of itineraries or QR codes, so there’s no reason for you to print out something that you could actually misplace. If you’re worried about not being able to download what you need because of poor or no internet connection, access what you need when you have connectivity and save a screenshot so it becomes available even when you’re offline.

While digital activities also have their own carbon footprint, at least they don’t have a physical output that could eventually end up in the trash. 

Practice Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

With the effects of climate change becoming harsher with every passing day, we need to rethink the way we live, and that includes how we travel. We need to understand what is sustainable tourism development and do our part as travelers to help preserve the beauty of our favorite travel destinations. 

Traveling sustainably and responsibly is the only way that we and future generations can keep enjoying all the attractions and the best islands in the Philippines for many years to come.

Popular articles

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing

11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan

15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol

10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers

Other interesting articles.

Bataan Philippines Travel Guide: Beach Resorts + Tourist Spots

Batanes Travel Guide: Smallest & Northernmost Philippine Province

10 Best Budget-Friendly Quality Resorts Near Manila: Batangas, Zambales, La Union, Bataan

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in the Philippines

Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines

Philippines Tour Packages

Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

Competitiveness.

• Market Intelligence
• Policy and Destination Management

Product Development

Share this content.

• Share this article on facebook
• Share this article on twitter
• Share this article on linkedin

As defined by UN Tourism, a Tourism Product is "a combination of tangible and intangible elements, such as natural, cultural and man-made resources, attractions, facilities, services and activities around a specific center of interest which represents the core of the destination marketing mix and creates an overall visitor experience including emotional aspects for the potential customers. A tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels and it has a life-cycle".

Rural tourism

UN Tourism understands Rural Tourism as "a type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle / culture, angling and sightseeing.

Gastronomy and Wine Tourism

As global tourism is on the rise and competition between destinations increases, unique local and regional intangible cultural heritage become increasingly the discerning factor for the attraction of tourists.

Mountain Tourism

Mountain Tourism  is a type of "tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. It encompasses a broad range of outdoor leisure and sports activities".

Urban Tourism

According to UN Tourism, Urban Tourism is "a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business".

Sports Tourism

Tourism and sports are interrelated and complementary. Sports – as a professional, amateur or leisure activity – involves a considerable amount of traveling to play and compete in different destinations and countries. Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, football and rugby championships have become powerful tourism attractions in themselves – making a very positive contribution to the tourism image of the host destination.

Shopping Tourism

Shopping Tourism is becoming an increasingly relevant component of the tourism value chain. Shopping has converted into a determinant factor affecting destination choice, an important component of the overall travel experience and, in some cases the prime travel motivation.

Licence or Product Purchase Required

You have reached the limit of premium articles you can view for free. 

Already have an account? Login here

Get expert, on-the-ground insights into the latest business and economic trends in more than 30 high-growth global markets. Produced by a dedicated team of in-country analysts, our research provides the in-depth business intelligence you need to evaluate, enter and excel in these exciting markets.

View licence options

Suitable for

• Executives and entrepreneurs
• Bankers and hedge fund managers
• Journalists and communications professionals
• Consultants and advisors of all kinds
• Academics and students
• Government and policy-research delegations
• Diplomats and expatriates

This article also features in The Report: Philippines 2021 . Read more about this report and view purchase options in our online store.

Tourism From The Report: Philippines 2021 View in Online Reader

Tourism played a central role in the Philippines’ economic development in the years leading to 2020, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability underscores the sector’s importance for the coming years. While the popular island of Boracay has long drawn tourists, local authorities continue work to diversify destinations through the creation of tourism enterprise zones. These endeavours, as well as those aimed at widening source markets, have laid the groundwork for an expanded yet more tailored offering. Although the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic heavily impacted tourism, Philippine policymakers and stakeholders are looking to adapt the sector’s offering and prioritise domestic tourism to support the national recovery. Enhanced health and safety measures have been implemented to align hotels, tourism sites and other services with the demands of the new normal. Meanwhile, a shift towards digitalisation and the use of technology to upskill the workforce are readying the sector for the future. This chapter contains an interview with Aileen Clemente, Chairman and President, Rajah Travel.

Articles from this Chapter

The future of travel: private players and government agencies work to create a safe and sustainable tourism ecosystem for the post-pandemic environment obg plus.

Tourism played a central role in the Philippines’ economic development in the years leading to 2020, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability and responsibility underscores the sector’s importance for the years to come. While the popular island of Boracay has long drawn tourists, local authorities continue work to diversify destinations through the creation of tourism enterprise zones (TEZs). These endeavours, as well as those aimed at widening source markets, have laid the groundwork…

Reboot button: Health and hygiene measures complement digitalisation efforts in a bid to prepare for tourism’s new normal OBG plus

The global tourism industry has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, as border closures and travel restrictions prevented tourists from venturing overseas. In emerging markets such as the Philippines the slump in international tourism took a heavy toll on local communities that depend on the industry for their livelihoods, as well as starved these countries of a vital source of foreign exchange. Tourism generated P4.7trn ($93.5bn) for the Philippine economy in 2019 and supported nearly…

Ensuring resilience: Aileen Clemente, Chairman and President, Rajah Travel, on making changes to support the sector’s recovery OBG plus

Interview:Aileen Clemente In what ways has the government supported travel and tourism operators during the pandemic? AILEEN CLEMENTE: The Department of Tourism (DOT) provided adequate guidance to travel and tour operators on the day-to-day situation, and on government programmes that could assist tourists and tourism enterprises affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time the DOT engaged the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, which is the private sector body for tourism, in preparation…

Greener pastures: Governments in Asia Pacific are working to protect top destinations from overdevelopment and environmental damage OBG plus

Tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has seen impressive growth in recent years, aided by cheaper air fares, an expanding consumer class and increased exposure brought about by improved internet connectivity. Although these developments have led to significant economic benefits for countries across the region, they have also had some negative consequences, particularly for the environment. Around 133.1m visitors travelled to ASEAN countries in 2019, up from 129.2m in 2018 and 125.7m in 2017.…

Privacy Overview

April 29, 2024

9th Annual Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum 2024, 14 - 15 May 2024 - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

We are creating some awesome events for you. kindly bear with us., exclusive technology’s role in making tourism a cornerstone of the philippine economic growth strategy.

• Amanda Garcia
• April 21, 2023

The tourism sector is actively investigating technological advancements to improve tourist convenience and entertainment during their travels. With a plethora of tech options, travellers are increasingly using their mobile phones to discover, explore, book and experience their vacations, changing the whole process and dynamics within the tourism sector.

Online booking, interactive websites and social media marketing are examples of how technology alters the sector. Mobile apps are being created to give travellers real-time information and assistance while on the road.

Digital tools have simplified travel planning and enhanced the overall travel experience. Moreover, it has enabled businesses offering tourism-related products, services or destinations to gain greater visibility in a wider marketplace. Government agencies involved in the sector are also leveraging advanced digital tools to gain greater flexibility, control, and efficiency in managing their operations.

Philippine President Bongbong Marcos views tourism not only as a means of promoting the country’s beautiful islands but also as a potential tool for economic gain. He considers tourism as a cornerstone of the Philippines’ financial growth strategy and includes it in the master plan to achieve this goal.

A Proactive Stance

The Department of Tourism (DoT) in the Philippines is responsible for promoting and fostering the development of tourism as a crucial socio-economic activity in the country. Its primary objectives

Include encouraging and inviting potential foreign investors, as well as spreading the benefits of tourism across both the public and private sectors.

Less than a month after he took office, Philippine President Bongbong Marcos demonstrated his support for the tourism industry and emphasised the need to create enabling environments and structures for its growth. A crucial aspect of this infrastructure is the digitalisation of the DoT’s operations, which is seen as vital for its effective functioning and essential to achieving fiscal targets.

In line with the President’s vision, the Department of Tourism’s Secretary, Maria Christina Garcia Frasco, rigorously advocates for the digitalisation of services and actively promotes intra-departmental collaboration. Apart from a renewed emphasis on internal cooperation, the DoT is keen to engage with external stakeholders to achieve its goals.

A key agreement was reached between the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The objective of this agreement is to enhance internet connectivity in identified tourism destinations, which is expected to play a crucial role in promoting and advancing the tourism industry in the Philippines.

Big Strides for 2022

The Department of Tourism is not only focused on fostering collaborations among different units within and outside the agency, but it is also keen on encouraging every citizen to participate in making the Philippines a top destination for travellers. The agency recognises the vital role that every individual can play in promoting tourism in the country, and thus, is rallying citizens to become active participants in this endeavour.

The Department of Tourism’s Bisita Be My Guest is a significant digitalisation initiative aimed at highlighting tourism destinations in the Philippines. The goal is to provide tourists with an accessible platform to explore the country’s myriad destinations and encourage them to visit the Philippines.

This web-based platform was created through the collaboration of all regional offices of DoT and local government units (LGUs) from across the country. The project involved gathering information on various destinations to promote and integrating it into the website.

Bisita Be My Guest is managed and administered by the IT team, and according to DOT’s Information Technology Division OIC Paul Brian Lao, the platform strongly encourages citizen participation in promoting tourism in the Philippines. Additionally, registered tourists are given a privilege card, which entitles them to discounts in participating tourist establishments, further promoting tourism in the country.

Greater Collaboration, Better Systems, Higher Efficiency

Greater efficiencies and advancements can be achieved when multiple stakeholders engage collaboratively. The collaborations between stakeholders in the tourism sector have been fruitful over the past year and have positively impacted the industry.

According to Paul, the plan to streamline all agencies to emphasise, strengthen, and integrate data and systems in the Philippines began years ago. While there is still a long way to go, the Department of Tourism and other government agencies are making significant progress in their digitalisation journey.

Strategy-wise, the Department of Tourism began by converting its database and are migrating to data lakes and warehouses, utilising AI for business intelligence. While the agency believes in cloud technology for app deployment, they also implement an active-passive strategy where on-premise storage acts as a backup in case of any challenges with cloud storage. This strategy ensures maximum efficiency and reliability in their operations.

Paul was delighted to reveal that their plans for improving their internal systems have been approved by the DICT. This will result in faster process turnaround times, including the accreditation of tourism-related establishments. These improvements will lead to more efficient service delivery for the private sector, ultimately benefiting individuals as they avail of tourism-related services.

Keeping data accurate and up-to-date can indeed be challenging, Paul acknowledges, especially in a fast-paced and dynamic industry like tourism. The involvement of multiple stakeholders only adds to the complexity of managing data when trying to ensure its accuracy and timeliness.

Their regular audits and data cleansing does help ensure accuracy, but it also requires the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders to provide the most updated information. This year, DoT’s IT Division will focus on securing its infrastructure and systems which should help its data strategy.

The Future of Travel Technology

AI, ML, augmented reality, virtual reality, big data analytics, and blockchain are all seen as key technologies to enhance the tourism industry and improve customer experience.

AI and ML can be used to tailor travel plans for individuals, offering suggestions for destinations, activities, and accommodations. They can also improve search capabilities and expedite the reservation process, making it faster and more convenient for consumers to plan and book their trips.

Virtual tours of destinations improve the travel planning process by letting consumers better understand their vacations before booking. Augmented and virtual reality allows travellers to virtually explore destinations, view landmarks and attractions and learn about the history and culture of a place.

Blockchain can improve security, transparency and trust in the tourism industry. From assuring the legitimacy of travel papers to enabling the secure sharing of sensitive information between travellers and service providers, blockchain technology has the potential to boost transparency and security in the travel sector.

Big data analytics may help the tourist industry better understand customer behaviour and tastes and provide insights that can be used to improve the overall travel experience and increase business efficiency.

According to Paul, increased collaboration among government agencies will be key to further advancements for the DoT in supporting the tourism industry. As the agency looks to launch new services, the growth potential will come from integrating systems and data across different agencies, which will require significant effort and resources.

Ultimately, advancements in tourism-related technology highlight opportunities that abound for stakeholders. There are ample global business opportunities to explore, and governments must gear up for the expected surge in data, information, transactions and movement of people.

Recommended Stories

Singapore’s Digital Enterprise Blueprint: Public Consultation Insights

India’s digital empowerment enhancing ease of living.

Hong Kong: Advancing Myopia Control Tech Globally

Inclusive Digital Transformation in the Philippines: Smart City Drive

Exploring the Impact of AI on the Media Landscape

Vietnam: Push for a Comprehensive AI Policy Framework

New Zealand: Digital Tech for Innovative Flood Management

Australia: Smart Solutions for Climate Challenges

© 2024 OpenGov Asia – CIO Network Pte Ltd.

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

CTC Global Singapore, a premier end-to-end IT solutions provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation.

Since 1972, CTC has established itself as one of the country’s top IT solutions providers. With 50 years of experience, headed by an experienced management team and staffed by over 200 qualified IT professionals, we support organizations with integrated IT solutions expertise in Autonomous IT, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Well-known for our strengths in system integration and consultation, CTC Global proves to be the preferred IT outsourcing destination for organizations all over Singapore today.

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com .

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

• Travel Talks
• Data Center
• Research Studies
• Books for Sale
• Images Gallery
• Videos Gallery
• Be a Member

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

January 2019

Tourism is a vital economic pillar that contributes to growth and development among economies in the world. Such claim is reinforced by reports from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) showing that in 2017, tourism accounted for about 10.4% (USD 8 trillion) of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 5% (USD 1 trillion) of total investments, 7% (USD 1.5 trillion) of the world’s exports, and 1 in 10 jobs (313 million jobs) in the global economy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also reported that in 2017, international tourist arrivals increased by 7%, which is expected to continue in 2018 at a rate of 4% to 5%. Such trend is also seen in the Philippines. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), there was an 11% increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2017 (i.e., 6.6 million arrivals in 2017 from 5.97 million in 2016). This, as per the WTTC, contributed 21.1% (USD 66.3 billion) to GDP, 2.4% (USD 1.9 billion) to total investments, 8% (USD 7.5 billion) to total exports, and 19.2% (7.8 million jobs) to total employment in 2017. This has driven economic activities across localities, especially in rural areas, which increased the number of enterprises that sustain activities in tourism destinations.

Such magnitudes warrant the need for initiatives to foster sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is defined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNWTO as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.” It is primarily concerned about the management and conservation of tourism resources towards equitable development and for the use of succeeding generations. To do this, concerted efforts among stakeholders are necessary.

Tourism stakeholders have the capacity to strengthen and impede sustainability efforts. In providing tourism experience, especially for an archipelagic destination like the Philippines, there is a need for coordination among tourism product and service providers at every stage of the experience to advance sustainable tourism. Coordination is emphasized because unregulated rapid tourism growth weakens sustainability due to its unintentional consequences. In advancing sustainable tourism, it is critical to involve those who are participating and affected by tourism activities. For instance, when local community members are actively involved, it can prompt a sense of ownership among participants. Hence, they will instinctively conserve their attraction. An effective tourism campaign accompanied by tourist satisfaction invites more tourists creating environmental stress thereby and warranting stringent capacity management policies (i.e., closing destinations for rehabilitation, limiting tourist arrivals, rewarding sustainable practices). Such policies are concerted responsibilities of local government, local communities, and private enterprises to ensure that regulations are enforced and monitored that will create long-term benefits. Sustainable tourism must go beyond generating arrivals that disregard carrying capacity limits. Regulations must emphasize on the execution of policies that underscore the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit. Eventually, tourism can truly be an avenue to provide meaningful employment.

The DOT is optimistic of developing sustainable tourism in the country by rehabilitating destination, enforcing regulations, and improving the quality of tourism products and services.

• Top Stories
• Stock Market
• BUYING RATES
• FOREIGN INTEREST RATES
• Philippine Mutual Funds
• Leaders and Laggards
• Stock Quotes
• Stock Markets Summary
• Non-BSP Convertible Currencies
• BSP Convertible Currencies
• US Commodity futures
• Infographics
• B-Side Podcasts
• Agribusiness
• Arts & Leisure
• Special Features
• Special Reports
• BW Launchpad

The Philippine’ Golden Age of Tourism

Numbers don’t lie.

By Andrew J. Masigan

After decades of lethargic growth, the Philippine tourism industry is finally riding on strong tailwinds. From January to November last year, foreign tourist arrivals topped 7.46 million, which translates to 15.58% year-on-year growth. This is nearly four times the average global growth rate and 2.5 times more than the Asian average. Although whole year statistics have not yet been consolidated, it is almost certain that the country surpassed its 8.2 million foreign visitor target.

As for domestic tourism, the National Tourism Development Plan set a target of 79.3 million domestic travelers for 2019. This target was breached way back in 2016. Local holidaymakers are expected to have topped the 120 million mark last year. This is due to a trifecta of reasons, namely: the ever-growing number of budget direct flights to domestic destinations, an effective marketing campaign by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and a growing middle class with expendable income.

All this bodes well for the economy. Revenues derived from the tourism industry will surpass P2.888 trillion (roughly 35% more than revenues generated by the IT-BPO industry) whilst generating 5.8 million jobs for our countrymen. The tourism industry is already the second largest contributor to national revenues.

What we are witnessing today is the Philippine’s gold age of tourism. We have reached that critical point where infrastructure development (airports and access roads) are coinciding with the rise of new tourist destinations around the country. We have to give credit to the local governments of El Nido, Sagada, Siargao, and many more for developing their localities into strong tourism products. After many decades, we are no longer Manila-centric, said DoT Undersecretary Benito “Bong” Bengzon, Jr., who was our guest at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce last week.

The next few years will be even robust for the industry. The DoT is looking at an annual growth rate of 12% until 2022. By then, revenues derived from tourism should reach P3.9 trillion on the back of 12 million foreign visitors and over 150 million domestic travelers. Many say, however, that with more provincial airports opening, the 12% growth rate earmarked is inordinately conservative. It could go as high as 17%.

While it is true that our 8.2 million foreign arrivals pales in comparison to Malaysia’s 28.1 million (estimated), Singapore’s 19.2 million (estimated) and Vietnam’s 18 million, we should factor-out the local residents who travel daily across borders by land. To get a more accurate figure of their net foreign arrivals, we should only consider arrivals by air and sea, asserted Mr. Bengzon. In which case, it is safe to shave-off 7 to 10 million from the gross numbers of these countries.

The Philippines, like Australia, cannot be accessed by land. Hence, our declared foreign arrivals are as accurate as it gets. Having said that, Australia is the more ideal model (and benchmark) for Philippine tourism. The Ozzies attracted just 9.8 million foreign visitors last year, but generated a whopping $155 billion in revenues, roughly three times that of the Philippines.

Its all about increasing length of stay and average spend. Records show that foreign visitors to Australia stay an average of 32 nights, far more than in Singapore at 4.4 nights, Malaysia at 6.2 nights and the Philippines at 7.11 nights. Apart from length of stay, Australia’s success is anchored on having multiple destinations, each having premium offerings in accommodations, gastronomy, and attractions.

The thrust is to make the Philippines a premium destination, declared Mr. Bengzon. This is especially true now that we have made a commitment to sustainable tourism. With the preservation of our natural wonders and cultural sites in mind, we can no longer play the numbers game. Our strategy has shifted to one that is value-focused.

Besides, market preferences have changed, noted Mr. Bengzon. Whereas curated tourism estates like Macau and Las Vegas and highly commercialized islands like Bali were the trend before, virgin communities are now the preferred destinations. Authenticity is the new “premium.”

Studies show that affluent professionals, honeymooners, divers, and leisure travelers now prefer off-the-beaten-path destinations where they can experience local culture. The rawer the better. However, they still require all the comforts of luxury dwellings including deluxe accommodations, concierge and chef service, personal security and land transfers.

With this in mind, the DoT considers El Nido, Ifugao, Sagada, Antique and Bondoc as priority destinations for development. Considered “potential destinations” are Siquijor, Camiguin, Batanes, and Sipalay. Both the DoT and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) are aggressively promoting investments in these areas, with an emphasis on those that cater to leisure markets. Already under construction on an island off the coast of Zabales is an all-villa resort with its own airport that competes in the $1,500 per night category. Operated by an international chain, it is scheduled for launch in 2023. In Camiguin and Quezon province, resorts are on the rise whose rates are pegged at $2,000 per night. Demand for ultra luxury hotels far exceed supply, hence the opportunity for investors.

As far as source markets are concerned, Korea, China, the US, and Japan still lead in foreign arrivals. Unfortunately, we are not attracting as many tourists from the ASEAN as we should. The Philippines is the second to the last among countries visited by ASEAN people. The DoT considers ASEAN as an “opportunity market” and will intensify its marketing efforts, accordingly.

Apart from ASEAN, Turkey and Spain have shown tremendous potential. Spain has registered an annual growth rate of 20.84% since 2013. More than 50,000 Spaniards visited the Philippines last year. Other markets showing promise are Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden.

To reach these market, the DoT has decided to tailor-fit its marketing strategies according to what is most effective in each country. Some markets may be heavy on digital marketing while others may rely on billboards. Some may utilize magazine articles while others may depend on TV ads. Gone are the days when ad placements on CNN and ESPN were the end-all-be-all for tourism promotions. The DoT has tapped BBDO Guerrero and Touch XDA as its partner for strategy formulation and media buying, respectively.

In terms of tourism products, the Philippines strength lies in sun and sea, diving, nature, and education tourism (for ESL courses). Still being developed are farm, leisure, and cruise tourism. Admittedly, we are weak in city life. Manila needs a lot of work to compete with the likes of Bangkok and Singapore.

The improvement of Manila is taking baby steps. Intramuros and Fort Santiago, through the efforts of the Intramuros Administration, have improved remarkably. The city of Manila, where our cultural sites and museums are located, is slowly realizing a revival with Mayor Isko Moreno at the helm. Still, the capital needs a massive urban renewal for it to be competitive.

We give kudos to Mr. Bong Bengzon and Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat for ushering-in the golden age of Philippine tourism. Congress will do well to channel as many resources as possible to maximize the potentials of tourism.

Andrew J. Masigan is an economist

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

How may the Philippines be affected by the Court of Appeals 2024 Writ of Kalikasan?

Alcohol awareness month

Is having kids bad for the planet?

Trepidation and hope

Toxic bertiz, who not to vote for.

• Secretary’s Corner
• GAD Activities
• GAD Issuances

• Mission and Vision
• Department Structure
• Key Officials
• Citizen’s Charter
• Attached Agencies
• General Info
• Culture & Arts
• People & Religion
• Tourism Industries Products
• Promotional Fair and Events
• Doing Business
• Philippines RIA Pilot Program
• Tourism Demand Statistics
• Standards Rules and Regulations
• Online Accreditation
• Accredited Establishments
• Learning Management System (LMS)
• News and Updates
• Announcements
• Publications
• Bids and Awards

DOT launches five-year plan to develop tourism professionals

MANILA—The development of competent, world-class Filipino tourism professionals through the education system is the core of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) five-year industry manpower development plan.

In a virtual launch, the DOT laid the groundwork for the country’s tourism workforce with the launch of the Philippine Tourism Human Capital Development Plan (PTHCD) for 2021-2025.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat led the virtual launching of the plan to ensure the steady supply of trained manpower and to address challenges facing tourism human capital development.

“We aim to develop competent, world-class Filipino tourism professionals through a harmonized education system and strong tourism industry linkages and collaboration. Together, these factors will lead us toward attaining sustainable and inclusive national socio-economic development,” Puyat said.

The Republic Act 9593 also known as the Tourism Act of 2009, mandates the DOT to draft an industry manpower development plan every five years. PTHCD is the continuation of the Philippine Tourism Human Resource Development Strategy and Action Plan for 2015-2020.

The tourism chief was joined in the virtual launch by Department of Education (DepEd) Director Jocelyn Andaya, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Certification Office Executive Director Maria Susan Dela Rama, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) OIC-Chief Standards Development Division Aline Magalong, and Tourism Industry Board Foundation Incorporated (TIBFI) chair Ma. Christina Aquino.

In the previous months, DOT conducted a national consultation, situational analysis, and focus group discussions across the country with participants from different tourism industry sub-sectors, local government units, government agencies and the academe.

The discussions covered Education Tourism as a tourism product offering, industry linkages and partnerships, research and innovation, standards review and development, implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Tourism Professionals, and other programs.

“In view of the challenges and opportunities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this updated PTHCD comes at a most critical time. The retooling, reskilling, and upskilling of the tourism workforce will all be crucial as the industry prepares to reopen and recover, and will be among the most important steps in our journey towards the better normal,” Puyat added.

Published:June 7, 2021

Recent News

PBBM LAUDS WINNERS OF DOT’S TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE; RAISES FUNDING FOR LGU INFRA PROPOSALS TO P255M

DOT UNVEILS TOURIST REST AREA IN PALAWAN

THE PHILIPPINES VIES FOR 7 AWARDS AS ASIA’S BEST FOR THE 2024 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

LOVE THE FLAVORS, LOVE THE PHILIPPINES: THE PHILIPPINE EATSPERIENCE OPENS IN RIZAL PARK AND INTRAMUROS IN MANILA

DOT CHAMPIONS GENDER EQUALITY WITH SUCCESFUL HOSTING OF INAUGURAL PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL

PHILIPPINES TO BEEF TOURISM COOPERATION WITH AUSTRIA

THE PHILIPPINES RECORDS 1.2M INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS IN FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 2024

DOT, TPB TO ELEVATE PHILIPPINE EXPERIENCE, LEAD BIGGEST PHL DELEGATION TO ITB BERLIN 2024

TOURISM CHIEF BACKS CALLS FOR RETURN OF BOLJOON PULPIT PANELS TO CHURCH

CRK ROUTES ASIA 2024 WIN TO BOOST PH INT’L TOURIST ARRIVALS

TOURISM CHIEF LAUDS ‘CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORY’ OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, COMMITS DOT’S SUPPORT TO PROVINCE’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A ‘TOURISM GEM’

DOT BOOSTS MEDICAL TOURISM EFFORTS WITH THE RELEASE OF UPDATED ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES FOR DENTAL CLINICS

DIVE TOURISM CONTRIBUTES P73 BILLION TO PH ECONOMY IN 2023 FRASCO

DOT TAKES THE LEAD IN UNITING THE GLOBAL DIVING COMMUNITY WITH PHIDEX 2024

PATA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN IN TRAVEL TO BE HELD IN BOHOL, PHILIPPINES FROM MARCH 20 – 22, 2024

DOT TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR TOURISM OFFICERS THROUGH AIM, ATOP PARTNERSHIP

ZOZOBRADO TAKES OATH AS PHILIPPINE RETIREMENT AUTHORITY CHIEF

DOT AWARDS BRAND NEW TWO-BEDROOM SMDC CONDO TO FIL-CANADIAN WINNER OF BISITA, BE MY GUEST PROGRAM

NEXT STOP: ENTERTAINMENT HUB

DOT REVIVES PHILIPPINE TOURISM AWARDS

DOT LAUDS WINNERS OF ASEAN TOURISM AWARDS 2024

DOT TO HOST THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL DIVE EXPO (PHIDEX) IN FEBRUARY 2024

PHL IS LEAD COUNTRY COORDINATOR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASEAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN POST-2025

DOT, TIEZA EARMARK P15 MILLION FOR MANILA CENTRAL POST OFFICE RESTORATION PROJECT; FRASCO REITERATES SUPPORT FOR PH HISTORIC SITES, HERITAGE TOURISM

FRASCO TO LEAD PH DELEGATION AT THE ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2024 IN LAOS

DOT CHIEF: SINULOG ALLOWS TOURISTS TO IMMERSE “IN AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSCENDS THE ORDINARY

DOT, DMW LAUNCH BALIK BAYANI SA TURISMO PROGRAM

PALAWAN GETS NOD AS WORLD TOP TRENDING DESTINATION IN 2024 BY TRIPADVISOR’S BEST OF THE BEST

DOT CHIEF: MORE LONG WEEKENDS TO BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM IN THE COUNTRY

DOT Chief: Philippines surpasses yearend target with 5.45 million int’l visitor arrivals in 2023, int’l visitor receipts surge at PHP482.54 billion

Frasco proudly presents WTA awards to PBBM

DOT lauds PPP framework for Tourist Rest Area in Carmen, Cebu

DOT breaches industry targets for 2023; Frasco bullish on country’s continued tourism transformation under Marcos administration in 2024

Philippines cited for Global Tourism Resilience, wins World’s Best Beach, Dive, City Awards

DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Bohol Island

PH wins big at international award-giving bodies

Philippine tourism earnings surge to 404B in first 10 months of 2023 – DOT chief

DOT hails inclusion of CRK as world’s most beautiful airport

DOT chief joins global tourism leaders in WTM Ministers’ Summit 2023 in London

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

UNESCO Gastronomy City citation for Iloilo boosts gastro, creative tourism – Frasco

DOT’s Alternative Livelihood Training Program signals hope and recovery as Oriental Mindoro’s tourism industry bounces back after oil spill woes

Dot wins back-to-back best videos at world tourism organization competition.

The Philippines vies for 4 major awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2023

DOT chief joins high-level UNWTO Global Education Forum as panelist

The Philippines joins UNWTO General Assembly as Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific; prestigious global position held again after 24 years

DOT BARES 15 TOP LGU PROPOSALS FOR TOURISM CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE

Philippines Named Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 by World Cruise Awards

Filipino Hospitality Excellence soars with DOT surpassing 100k target

TIEZA Philippine Tourism Investment Summit 2023: Uniting Public and Private Sectors to Fuel Tourism Growth

Frasco to join world tourism leaders in 25th unwto general assembly.

LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! Boracay, Palawan, Siargao voted among Asia’s best by Condé Nast Traveler readers

Tourism industry generates Php344 Billion in int’l visitor receipts in 9 months; Frasco seeks Senators’ support to usher in the “Golden Era” of Philippine tourism

DOT launches Tourist Assistance Call Center

Tourism chief visits Tawi-Tawi in PHL, assures LGU, tourism stakeholders of Marcos admin’s full support

Phl records more than 4m foreign visitors; dot optimistic on robust rebound of tourism.

Film Heritage building to rise, boost PH film tourism

DOT chief bares bold prospects for PH tourism at Global Tourism Economy Forum

Frasco to speak at UNWTO Global Tourism Economy Forum

DOT, TPB bring back on-site PHITEX 2023 in Cebu

Frasco thanks lawmakers for the swift approval and support for increase of Php 2.7 B DOT budget

DOT’s Bisita, Be My Guest program awards first raffle winners

Philippines’ FIBA hosting boosts hotel occupancy, visitor arrivals – Tourism Chief

1st Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue unites Dive Industry: 37B raked in 2022

Boost in PH medical tourism seen with public-private convergence

Philippines wins “Asia’s Leading Dive Destination” at prestigious World Travel Awards 2023

DOT affirms support to peace and security efforts under Marcos administration

Frasco cites PBBM’s policies, programs for the industry at PTM 2023

DOT inks deal with Cebu LGU for more Tourist Rest Areas, “Heritage City” Carcar thanks DOT for TRA

DOT in full support to FIBA World Cup Opening Day

DOT, TESDA ink deal to expand tourism education, reinforce tourism training opportunities

DOT, NCIP ink partnership to empower indigenous peoples, protect and promote cultural heritage through tourism

Lawmakers laud tourism initiatives, bat for higher 2024 budget for DOT

PHL records Php 286B tourism receipts from January to July; Frasco bares efforts to support tourism in Central Visayas

PBBM’s prioritization makes tourism among top drivers of economic growth– DOT Chief

DOT inaugurates first Tourist Rest Area in Mindanao; Frasco bares plan to build 15 more TRAs across the country

Dot records more inbound flights to phl, increase in domestic air routes.

Tourism Chief highlights Culinary Tourism in PHL at World Chefs Asia President Forum 2023

NMP-Cebu to spur tourism development in Visayas Region—Frasco

DOT Chief welcomes e-Visa system for Chinese tourists

DOT positions PHL as one of Asia’s most LGBT-friendly destinations

From courtside to paradise: DOT supports FIBA World Cup hosting with Philippine Tour Packages

DOT bares tourism milestones under PBBM’s first year in office; Secretary Frasco optimistic on exceeding industry targets for 2023

PHL int’l tourist arrivals breach 3M mark; tourism receipts surge at P212.47 billion

Frasco inaugurates first ever DOT Tourist Rest Area in PHL

Pbbm trusts frasco, tourism chief gets widespread support.

Frasco launches Philippines Hop-On-Hop-Off for Manila

DOT chief grateful for continued support from lawmakers, employees

Love the Philippines draws widespread support

DOT’s enhanced branding is Philippines’ Love Letter to the world

Batanes joins UNWTO International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories inclusion is a manifestation of Philippines’ successful sustainability efforts in local destinations – DOT chief

The Philippines elected as Vice President of UNWTO General Assembly after 24 Years, nabs Chairmanship of Commission for East Asia and the Pacific

DOT eyes increased arrivals from Cambodia

DOT welcomes positive tourism figures for FY2022; vows sustained industry recovery drive under the Marcos administration

Ph vies for six nominations for the wta 2023.

DOT rallies support of tourism stakeholders on digitalization initiatives

Heritage and Arts Tours in San Juan City get support from DOT

Tourism chief, Deputy Speaker Frasco donate for education of Pagsanjan boatmen’s children

Tour Guides to get more livelihood with Digital Bookings

DOT commits full support on Laguna’s local tourism resurgence; vows for more tourism projects in the province

TWG convened to drive up CRK utilization; travel and tourism to remain ‘spark of hope’ for Clark – Secretary Frasco

Philippines wins Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year Award (Non-OIC)

Dot supports malacañang heritage tours.

The country’s colorful marine life takes the spotlight in DOT’s Anilao Underwater Shootout

DOT, DND, DILG forge pact to make Mindanao a peaceful and viable tourist destination

DOT, PRA ink partnership

DOT lauds Rosquillos Festival’s showcase of local culture, contribution to local tourism

PHL participation in int’l, local travel and trade fairs yields more than P3 billion in business leads—DOT Chief

More than 43k workers receive dot training on the filipino brand of service excellence (fbse).

DOT vows support to SOCCSKSARGEN, Mindanao

Pbbm approval of phl tourism plan to spur tourism transformation, employment, philippines’ int’l visitor arrivals breach 2m.

DOT lauds PATA’s initiative to rebuild tourism communities in Laguna, Pagsanjan Falls

Filipino tourism frontliners recognized during DOT’s 50th founding anniversary celebration

DOT supports new country brand under the Marcos administration

DOT welcomes the resumption of chartered flights to PHL top destination Boracay

Medical Tourism pushed by Marcos Administration with strategic global partnership – DOT Chief

Frasco meets US filmmakers, media execs to promote Philippine tourism

Record number 1,400 Koreans arrive to Filipino welcome led by Tourism Secretary Frasco

Tourism chief Frasco dives in Puerto Galera, provides alternative livelihood to Oriental Mindoro

Philippine-Turkiye air service deal to boost tourism- DOT Chief

DOT-DOLE Tourism Job Fairs offer more than 8K jobs; 3rd leg set in May

DOT, DOTr jointly conduct inspection at NAIA T2 ahead of Holy Week break

More than 6k jobs up for grabs at DOT’s PHL tourism job fair

Go Negosyo, DOT mount Tourism Summit in Cebu

Business as usual in Puerto Galera; DOT to train tourism workers affected by oil spill for alternative livelihood – Frasco

DOT holds Philippine visa reforms convergence

Philippines hits 260M negotiated sales, bags recognition at the ITB Berlin 2023

DOT chief unveils National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 at stakeholders’ summit

Frasco meets with Central Europe tourism players, vows prioritization of tourism under Marcos Administration

Philippines comes back with biggest delegation to ITB Berlin, bags sustainable tourism recognitions

Oil Spill affecting tourist sites – DOT Chief

DOT issues guidelines pushing for more openness for tourism enterprises

Tourism chief to lead biggest PHL delegation to ITB Berlin 2023

PHL feted Best Dive Destination anew

New Flights from Clark to boost tourism, decongest NAIA

Frasco lauds Ilocos Norte’s Tan-Ok festival as manifestation of the Philippine Experience’

Frasco: Panagbenga Festival touts Baguio’s tourism resurgence

DOT extends ‘free accreditation’ for tourism establishments

DOT Chief launches Tourism Champions Challenge’ to spur tourism development in LGUs

PHL secures back-to-back nominations at the 2023 World Travel Awards

Frasco convenes first TCC meeting, forecasts full domestic recovery in 2023

Frasco leads groundbreaking of new tourist pit stop to boost Palawan tourism

Frasco leads grand welcome reception for cruise passengers, says ‘PHL aims to be cruise hub in Asia’

Japanese stakeholders bullish of PHL tourism prospects

PBBM, Tourism chief engage Japanese tourism stakeholders in high-level meet in Tokyo

Tourism chief affirms DOT’s support to PH Dev’t Plan 2023-2028

Chinese tourists receive warm welcome from PHL; DOT foresees swifter tourism recovery with Chinese outbound group tour

PHL, CHINA ink tourism implementation deal

PHL breaches 2.6M arrivals for 2022; DOT chief bullish of 2023 projections

DOT lands on Top 3 Highest Approval Rating among Government Agencies; bares targets for 2023

DOT, DICT ink deal for improvement of connectivity in tourist destinations, digitalization of services

DOT, DMW launch newest incentivized tourism promotions campaign

DOT, TIEZA launch 7th Tourist Rest Area in Pagudpud’s Saud Beach

Tourist Rest Area to rise in Bohol

Luzon’s First DOT Tourist Rest Area to Rise In Baguio City

DOT strengthens PHL-Saudi Arabia tourism relations, engages industry key players

Statement of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on the Launch of the e-Travel System

Filipino hospitality, Philippine sustainable tourism highlighted at WTTC Global Summit Saudi Arabia

Frasco welcomes Uzakrota World’s Leading Country Award, PHL destinations’ citations

Frasco eyes more urban parks in the Philippines

DOT’s Frasco is among best-performing cabinet officials- RPMD Survey

Frasco hails first-ever North Luzon Travel Fair as critical to revitalizing tourism; reiterates the Philippines’ readiness for visitors

DOT welcomes long holidays for 2023; PBBM signing of Proclamation No. 90 important stimulus to PHL domestic tourism in 2023: DOT chief

PHL visitor arrivals reach 2M; tourism revenue hit 100B – DOT Chief

Philippines hailed as World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destinations

PHL Tourism Chief initiates tourism cooperation talks with Italian Tourism Minister

Palawan cited “Most Desirable Island” in 21st Wanderlust Travel Award

Outlook for Philippine tourism positive – tourism chief

DOT launches 1st North Luzon Travel Fair

Tourism chief to lead PHL contingent to WTM, brings listening tours to FILCOM in UK

PBBM oks easing of stringent travel restrictions

PHITEX 2022 yields record high 173M sales leads

One Health Pass replaced with PHL’s ‘simpler’ eARRIVAL CARD system

Philippine Experience Caravans to roll out 2023 – Frasco

DOT relaunches Philippine Tourism Awards

DOT exceeds 2022 target arrivals; PBBM rallies support for tourism as admin’s priority sector

Siargao, a priority for Tourism Development — Frasco

STATEMENT OF TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO

DOT bares tourism wins under PBBM’s first 100 days

Tourist Rest Areas for PHL’s top destination – Cebu

Tourist Rest Areas launched in Mindanao

FY 2023 DOT budget submitted to plenary; Senators press for higher tourism budget

DOT celebrates Philippines’ back to back wins at Conde Naste Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards; Boracay claims spot as top island in Asia anew

Frasco secures CA nod as Tourism Chief

DOT receives HOR nod for P3.573 B budget for 2023

First ever DOT-DOLE nat’l tourism job fair opens

Tourism Chief tackles plans to revive industry, entices foreign investors in New York briefing

PBBM pronouncements at UN meet an “excellent representation” of PHL – Secretary Frasco

DOT-DOLE 1st Philippine Tourism Job Fair pre-registration now open, more than 7k jobs available to tourism job seekers- Sec. Frasco

STATEMENT OF TOURISM SECRETARY CHRISTINA GARCIA FRASCO ON THE LIFTING OF OUTDOOR MASK MANDATE IN THE PHILIPPINES

DOT muling pinarangalan ng Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Serbisyo Publiko 2022

DOT Chief welcomes IATF recommendation to make masking optional when outdoors

Phl scores back to back win in WTA Asia; Intramuros hailed as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction of 2022

Frasco lays out DOT plans and programs for industry recovery; lawmakers bat for higher DOT budget

More than 1,500 tourism jobs to be offered in joint DOT-DOLE job fair

Dot to ink tourism job fair program – trabaho, turismo, asenso with dole; domestic, international jobs to be available to tourism job hunters.

Thailand to offer tourism job opportunities to Filipinos– Frasco

PHL tourism chief pushes for increased connectivity, interoperability of vax certs, equalization of opportunities, and sustainability in APEC tourism ministers’ meet

Philippines strengthens tourism ties with Thailand

DOT TRAINS BOHOL VENDORS ON FILIPINO BRAND OF SERVICE EXCELLENCE

20 intl, local dive and marine experts take centerstage at PHIDEX 2022

Measures in place to ensure safe travel to PHL – Tourism Chief

FRASCO OPTIMISTIC OF PH TOURISM RESURGENCE, LAUDS CEBU TOURISM SUCCESS

Frasco eyes visitor-friendly, “distinctly Filipino” air, seaports in PHL

DOT celebrates Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team historic four gold medal haul

DOT to facilitate interagency effort to strengthen Filipino Brand of Service

DOT to coordinate on quake-hit tourist destinations, heritage sites

PBBM cites tourism as top-priority; orders infra development, enhancement of Filipino brand

DOT chief takes “Listening Tours” to Luzon

DOT Chief affirms support to National Museum of the Philippines; proposes inclusion of museums in tourism circuits

Boracay, Palawan and Cebu hailed World’s Best Islands; DOT celebrates back-to-back accolades for PHL destinations

Marcos push for Tourism Infra strengthens industry, raises PHL global position – DOT Chief

DOT lauds Boracay’s inclusion in TIME’s 50 World’s Greatest Places of 2022

DOT lauds Cebu-based group win in int’l dance competition

Statement of tourism secretary christina garcia frasco on banaue.

Tourism Chief Frasco kicks off listening tours in VisMin, encourages officials to reach out to LGUs, stakeholders

Tourism chief Frasco to go on ‘listening tours’ starting this week

Dot reports increase in domestic tourism in 2021.

Incoming tourism chief receives warm welcome from employees, vows to bring “LGU perspective” to DOT

DOT’s Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) returns to Manila next month

First Davao Dive Expo slated on June 24

DOT touts ‘future farms’ as new and sustainable tourist attractions

DOT pitches PHL as ideal retirement destination in Japan Expo

DOT positions New Clark City as premier tourism investment hub

PH’s significant recovery in travel and tourism hot topic in Routes Asia 2022

DOT’s KAIN NA! takes foodies to a multi-sensory adventure

DOT Presents “Escape: Stories from the Road” Podcast

Second (2nd) Online Master TESOL Certification Course

DOT, MMC Foundation partnership brings ER bikes to three Metro Manila tourist sites

DOT spotlights PWDs and women in tourism with new “It’s More Fun for All” campaign

Media release from the department of tourism.

PHL scraps COVID pre-departure test for fully vaccinated, boostered tourists

DENR, DOT and DILG unveil Year of Protected Areas (YoPA) Campaign marking 90th anniversary of Protected Area establishment in the Philippines

Department of Tourism and Mickey Go Philippines introduce Pinoy Mickey Funko Pops

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

DOT reminds AEs on proper flag etiquette

DOT 49th Anniversary speech of the Tourism Secretary

DOT pushes for 100% vaccination of active tourism workers

DOT calls for lowering of testing price cap, certification of more saliva test facilities

PHL may be next filming location as Tourism Summit brings in Hollywood execs

WTTC Investment Tour Highlights Viable Opportunities in Clark, Central Luzon

WTTC lauds PH successful hosting of Int’l tourism Summit

Closing and Congratulatory Message during the Closing Ceremony of the 21st WTTC Global Summit of the DOT Secretary

WTTC: ‘Astonishing Recovery’ for Philippines’ tourism sector

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Exhibition Booths

WTTC Opening Ceremony Welcome Remarks of the DOT Secretary

WTTC bullish on PH tourism recovery amid Covid-19 pandemic

PHL Foreign tourist arrivals breach 200k mark – DOT Chief

DOT, partner agencies celebrate Filipino Food Month

WTTC announces speakers for its 21st Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT seeks return of Korean tourists, PH’s top market

DOT inks partnership with PNP, PDEA to beef up security in tourist destinations

DOT Launches Digital Travel Magazine “7641”

PHL says “All systems go for full reopening on April 1”; Removes EED as entry requirement

Phl logs more than 100,000 visitor arrivals since feb. 10 reopening.

DOT meets with Japanese tourism execs to boost inbound tourism arrivals

Statement of the DOT on hotel rooms occupancy guidelines

PH opens doors to all foreign tourists with easing of arrival requirements starting April 1

Travel to PHL is “easier”, more fun – Puyat

DOT Launches “Sounds More Fun in the Philippines” Playlist on Spotify

DOT hopeful on higher tourism growth with downgrading of NCR, 38 areas to Alert Level 1

Intramuros visitors up by 132% in February

DOT bares higher tourist influx since reopening

Dot welcomes iatf approval to accept the national vaxcert of 12 additional countries.

PH receives 9,283 inbound tourists; DOT upbeat on higher arrivals in months ahead

Puyat: Walk-in booster shots available for Boracay visitors

All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat

Kids’ vaccination to make family travels safe, more fun

DOT lists requirements and protocols for arriving foreign leisure guests

Save the date for the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in the Philippines

DOT: PH to accept fully-vaxxed tourists from visa-free countries starting Feb. 10

DOT supports ‘Pharmacy and Drive-thru Vaccination Sites’ rollout in Baguio City

DOT Launches “ASMR Experience the Philippines” Project

Dot to hold 2-day conference on english as second language (esl).

PH cities, hotels bag ASEAN tourism awards

Booster shots rolled out for fully vaxxed tourism workers; 50% of NCR hotel staff already “boosted”

DOT trains over 30,000 tourism professionals amid pandemic

Dot welcomes eased travel movement between gcq and mgcq areas for tourism revival, hotel in ‘poblacion girl” fiasco suspended, fined, intramuros gives vulnerable population a breathing space, dot launches website with exclusive travel deals for balikbayans.

Anilao Underwater Shootout stages a successful comeback

DOT’s KAIN NA! makes a comeback in Tagaytay

Dot earns unwto citation for have a safe trip, pinas ad.

Brgy. Bojo in Aloguinsan, Cebu bags UNWTO best tourism village award

More than 95% of tourism workers in dive establishments already vaccinated against covid-19: dot.

DOT: PHL to welcome Int’l tourists soon

Dot welcomes shortened quarantine days for balikbayans, dot asks lgus to simplify entry requirements in tourist spots, miceconnect 2021 positions boracay as asia’s premier bleisure destination, dot releases latest list of domestic destinations waiving rt-pcr tests for fully vaxxed visitors, dot grants incentives to fully vaccinated individuals visiting intramuros.

Statement of the DOT on waiving RT-PCR requirement to Boracay for fully vaxxed tourists

Anilao underwater ‘shootout’ is back

Puyat, dot execs pitch ph tourism in japan travel mart, dot welcomes eased restrictions in mm under alert level 2, free swab tests for domestic tourists starting nov. 1, dot lists destinations without testing requirement, with projected 100% inoculation rate by next month, boracay will soon waive rt-pcr testing for fully vaxxed visitors.

Domestic Travel Welcome-Back: DOT, TPB launch ‘It’s More Fun with You’ ad and ‘Have a Safe Trip, Pinas’ Viber Stickers

22 divers pass dot guide training in anilao.

PH cited Asia’s top beach and dive destination anew in 2021 World Travel Awards

Dot bullish on camiguin’s reopening, boosts covid-19 vax drive, dot clarifies travel guidelines for ncr residents under alert level 4, alert level 3, good for tourism jobs and businesses as holidays near – puyat, 2nd tourism & technology forum: readying for a different future.

DOT vaccination drive for tourism workers continues in Pampanga

Dot welcomes easing of age restrictions for interzonal travel, less quarantine days for travelers an ‘encouraging development’ for tourism industry – puyat.

Vaccination of Rizal tourism workers crucial to industry’s recovery — DOT

Dot welcomes siargao, palawan and boracay win in int’l travel mag awards, over 43k safety seals issued as more businesses apply, dot backs call to shorten quarantine of fully vaxxed travelers, dot calls for cooperation to ensure success of expanded operational capacity of restaurants in ncr.

DOT lauds Samar LGU vax drive for tourism workers

Message of secretary berna romulo-puyat on the celebration of world tourism day, dot ensures compliance of accredited hotels, resorts to new iatf alert level system guidelines.

Cebu vax drive for tourism workers gains traction with more than 50% inoculated

Puyat bares phl hosting of international tourism conference in march 2022.

DOT and TikTok launch #GandaMoPinas Campaign as local borders reopen

Dot invites esl teachers to free online master tesol certification course.

DOT launches “More Fun Awaits” global campaign to showcase travel preps

Statement of the department of tourism (dot), statement of the department of tourism on the inclusion of palawan in t+l’s top islands in asia, world list, more than 50% of country’s tourism workers vaccinated against covid-19 – dot chief, intramuros site visit of dot secretary berna romulo-puyat.

Intramuros sites and Rizal Park to reopen September 16

Philippines boosts participation in expo 2020 dubai, highlights pinoy food, local tourism businesses receive dot, tpb philcare kits.

DOT, partner agencies drive up promotion of Filipino food experience

More than 7.5k tourism workers in Baguio have received Covid vax – Tourism Chief

Dot, tpb distribute p19m worth of materials to promote safety protocols.

DOT, NTF bring vaccination rollout for tourism workers in Siargao Island

DOT: 95% of tourism workers in NCR vaxxed vs Covid-19

Sustainability is key to tourism industry’s recovery — puyat, dot lauds private sector for vaccine rollout in el nido.

PHITEX 2021: Beyond Business slated for September 19-23

Puyat leads vaccination drive for Pampanga tourism workers

More than 75% of Bohol tourism workers eyed for inoculation with second vaccine roll-out

More than 70% of tourism frontliners in metro manila vaccinated vs covid-19 — puyat.

DOT and TPB SUCCESSFULLY STAGED FIRST-EVER HYBRID EDITION OF THE REGIONAL TRAVEL FAIR

Dot, bpos to hold job fair, statement of the department of tourism.

DOT targets increased inoculation of tourism workers in more destinations

Puyat: More vaccines coming for Palawan tourism workers

Dot statement on nesthy petecio’s silver medal finish in the tokyo 2020 olympics, rizal park drive-thru vax site opens; puyat hails manila’s anti-covid initiative, dot gets highest coa rating for 2nd straight year, statement of the department of tourism on the passing of heritage and cultural tourism advocate mr. ramon hofileña, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the heightened community quarantine level implementations in ncr, more tourism workers in boracay to receive covid-19 jabs – dot, dot reiterates call for safe travel amid stricter quarantine measure, dot reminds hotels, resorts that room sharing for quarantined families is allowed, dot celebrates siargao inclusion in time magazine as one of the world’s greatest places of 2021, dot launches halal food tourism, dot backs gov’t infra program to boost tourism, dot backs iloilo bid for ‘creative city of gastronomy’ recognition from unesco, statement of the department of tourism on iatf decision allowing children five years old and above, and fully vaccinated seniors to visit outdoor areas, dot partners with viber to promote kain na foodfest, dot: 3,000 boracay tourism workers to receive covid vax, dot, tpb continues to support lgus with digital transformation projects, dot teams up with scarlet belo and cartoon network to take safe trips, dot statement on the activities of the taal volcano, bakuna by the sea: dot hails davao’s innovative approach to travel, hospitality workers, dot, tpb to roll out 2nd phase of rt-pcr financial subsidy program through pcmc, dot unveils region 1 tourism recovery plan, statement of the department of tourism on the drop of tourism contribution to gdp, dot to co-stage virtual fête de la musique june 18-21, more ncr tourism workers receive support through dot-dole program, travel for tourists of all ages from ncr plus to boracay, other mgcq areas extended to june 30, dot eyes inoculation of 5,000 bohol tourism workers, museums in ncr plus to reopen on limited capacity – dot, dot turns food tourism to high heat with 2021 kain na, terms for tourism business loans eased, dot bares tourism recovery plans for bulacan, dot and tiktok launch #sarapmagingpinoy campaign to promote local food tourism, dot celebrates world environment month, highlights responsible marine wildlife interactions, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the rt-pcr requirement for leisure travelers under iatf-eid resolution 118a, statement of the dot on iatf-eid resolution 118a, more than 16k bulacan tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, dot orders stricter monitoring of staycation hotels and aes in gcq areas following new iatf guidelines, dot lauds inclusion of frontline tourism workers in a1 priority group, dot hosts pata summit for first hybrid mice event in 2021, over 1,400 golf workers in metro manila get dot-dole cash aid.

Central Luzon to Showcase ‘Flavors of Pampanga’, readies tourists for gastronomic experience

Dot lauds ph hotels recognized with the 2021 tripadvisor awards, 3,390 tourism workers in marinduque approved to receive p16.95m dot-dole cash aid, puyat bares tourism recovery plans for marinduque, dot proposes ‘green lane’ for fully vaccinated travelers, dot hails expansion of priority vaccination to a4 cluster, including tourism frontliners, 5,986 staycation rooms open for guests from ncr plus, intramuros to open fort santiago, baluarte de san diego to visitors may 17, dot statement on the proposed vaccination center in nayong pilipino, dot welcomes iatf decision to ease travel in ncr plus, 221m cash aid approved for 44k tourism workers in western visayas, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the collected garbage from the waters of samal island, davao del norte, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the reported violations of a hotel in davao city, dot to host hybrid pata annual event for adventure travel, p1.5m cash aid approved for 295 intramuros tourism workers, updates on the vaccination of tourism workers, labor day vax for tourism workers, more than 400k displaced tourism workers get dot-dole cash aid, philippine tourism and mice industry to bounce back with the hosting of wttc global summit, dot, manila lgu ink mobile hospital deal, dot-accredited establishment staysafe.ph-users, eligible for safety seal certification, dot grants the wttc safe travels stamp to 33 more hotels nationwide, dot welcomes proposals to convert tourism sites to temporary medical facilities, dot lauds repurposed hotels, calls for ‘bayanihan’ vs covid, dot approves use of burnham green and quirino grandstand in rizal park for temporary mobile hospital and drive-thru vaccination site, dot celebrates saud beach inclusion in the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world list of travel and leisure, 67k displaced tourism workers of ncr+ receive dot-dole cash aid, statement of the department of tourism on the vaccination facility in nayong pilipino property, statement of the department of tourism regarding the alleged birthday “super spreader” event in boracay, dot eyes adoption of covid-19 digital travel pass, dot statement on ecq extension in ncr plus, phl, dot nominated at asia edition of 2021 world travel awards, dot pushes for inclusion of other tourism workers in priority group a4, strict new guidelines set for hotels under ecq; lenten ‘staycations’ within ncr plus suspended, dot statement on ecq for ncr+ areas, dot statement on holy week, rizal park and paco park adjust visiting hours, remain open for physical exercise, dot statement on biatf measures for boracay, tpb philippines spearheads tourism and technology forum (ttf), dot statement on coron tourist with falsified travel documents, dot supports rizal tourism circuit on food, faith, art, adventure and nature, the ‘fun’ continues: philippines joins digital itb berlin, dot to spur domestic tourism in rizal, dot’s stdp program to enhance resiliency of phl destinations – puyat, dot sustains online presence with ‘wake up in ph’ campaign and safety travel advisories, dot greenlights partial operations of hotel restaurants on june 15, dot eyes tourism recovery as more destinations may reopen, domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey, dot hails revival of tourist cops, tourism will recover well, dot chief vows, dot celebrates hidden beach, palawan’s inclusion in cnt’s best beaches in the world, tourism industry hikes share in gdp to 13%; puyat sees strong recovery from pandemic, dot pushes stringent guidelines for stakeholders across the nation, biatf denounces travelers’ breach of entry protocol to boracay, dot lauds partnership model for safe and sustainable tourism in boracay, dot issues guidelines on tourist land transport services, iatf–eid resolution reiterates ‘dot certificate of authority’ as requisite to operate, dot issues protocols on restaurant operations under the new normal, dot welcomes ph ‘rising stars in travel’ citation by forbes.com, dot, dti to roll out health and safety guidelines, digital solutions for restaurants, dot, attached agencies promote digital tourism, tourism chief reminds hotels, resorts: no dot certificate, no business operations during mgcq, dot assists 36,000 tourists during covid-19 crisis, dot webinar tackles digital as the new normal, dot welcomes the resumption of tourism operations in areas under mgcq, trust and health safety key to phl tourism recovery – dot chief, puyat on reopening tourism: ‘do it slowly but surely’, dot brings home 84 tourists stranded in eastern visayas, dot supports coron’s sustainable tourism development to bounce back, dot welcomes puerto princesa reopening to domestic tourists, dot urges for more wttc safe travels stamp applications, boracay’s white beach, el nido’s nacpan beach among tripadvisor’s top beaches in asia, dot statement on uniform travel protocols, dot supports the safe reopening of negros oriental, puyat affirms support for siquijor’s reopening, dot statement on el nido’s swift action against tourists with false covid test records, dot supports dilg’s streamlining of travel requirements, dot assists 98 stranded tourists in western mindanao, dot assists 246 tourists stranded in bicol, dot response team assists 1004 tourists stranded in caraga region, statement of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat, dot8 springs stranded tourists, total assisted travelers now at 11,000, dot assists stranded tourists in central luzon, dot response teams assist over 10,000 travelers, dot announces the guidelines on hotels and other accommodation establishments during the enhanced community quarantine, dot chief: innovation to spur food tourism in new normal, dot webinar tackles heritage site conservation and use amid pandemic, dot banners “filipino brand of service”; assists over 35,000 tourists amid pandemic, dot to jumpstart domestic tourism under stricter protocols with iatf and lgus, dot partners with wttc to share experts’ tourism outlook, recovery plans, dot regulates hotel food deliveries, dot: tourism industry up to tough challenges on path to recovery, more than 155,000 tourism sector workers receive first tranche of dof wage subsidy program, dot mounts sweeper flights; brings home 1000 stranded domestic tourists, dot webinar tackles recovery, future of phl’s m.i.c.e., statement of the department of tourism (dot) on the iatf–eid authorization to mount sweeper flights, statement of secretary bernadette romulo puyat on the passing of former dot secretary ramon jimenez, jr., dot–ncr assists 24,000 in–transit nationals amid ecq of luzon, dot and ssi support philippine food producers in online philippine harvest, dot provides virtual backgrounds for video calls to encourage “travel from home”, dot offers online “enhanced opportunity” training for tourism stakeholders, dot-region 6 delivers filipino brand of service in crisis, dot outlines tourism response, post–covid 19 recovery plan to aid private sector, dot issues guidelines defining “new normal” for accommodation establishments, 24,836 hotel rooms reserved for ofws’ quarantine, bpo staff use – dot chief, stranded tourists welcome extended stay in batanes, dot welcomes lifting of travel ban for outbound passengers, recovery flights, tourism transport to continue for stranded passengers, statement of the department of tourism (dot) on covid-19 local transmission, dot statement on the curfew recommendation for lgus, dot, turkish airlines form partnership to increase philippine tourism from europe and mediterranean source markets, dot celebrates first run of the philippine international hot air balloon fiesta in calabarzon, puyat convenes tourism council; invites public to travel within ph, international visitor receipts hit usd 9.31b in 2019, 20.81% up from 2018, dot postpones nationwide mall sale to prioritize safety of citizens, department of tourism unveils new ad inspired by the abakada alphabet, highlighting unique filipino culture, puyat advocates for cultural and ecotourism in the new normal, relive the history of intramuros city with augmented reality app experience philippines, dot: 1st phl shopping fest kicks off march 1st, doh, dilg and dot give public gatherings green light, 2019 international arrivals exceed target with 8.26 million visitors to the philippines, dot welcomes lifting of taiwan travel ban, joint statement of the department of tourism and tourism congress of the philippines, dot backs “balik sa bohol” for tourism industry revival, intramuros reopens in the new normal, relaxed and standard health protocols, personalized trips key to tourism recovery, says latest philippine travel survey, dot files falsification raps against boracay tourists with forged covid test results, dot: reclassification of industries to hasten recovery, dot statement following the president’s latest directive to contain the ncov, guidelines in handling guests in tourism enterpises in the advent of ncov global health emergency, puyat eyes isabela as top agro-ecotourism destination, dot, dti inspect hotels and restaurants’ compliance with health and safety protocols, dot chief checks readiness of palawan, fresh produce at your doorstep, courtesy of dot–grab tie–up, dot ‘seal of good housekeeping’ boosts confidence among restos amid pandemic – puyat, dot celebrates as palawan reclaims best island in the world citation, tourism chief bullish on english schools’ recovery, dot, fao team up for sustainable farm tourism in ph, meetings, conventions allowed only under mgcq at 50% capacity – dot, boracay now open to youths, seniors from region, dot chief lauds senate approval of bayanihan 2 on final reading, cites plans for 10b stimulus fund, “think out of the box,” tourism industry urged in dot webinar, dot assures tourist stakeholders of all–out support for slow reopening, puyat meets with bohol execs to tackle tourism situation, recovery plans, dot, cloud panda ph launches phl harvest e-commerce site, statement of dot, dot to scale up baguio’s ridge to reef travel bubble plan across phl, dot celebrates “surprisingly spectacular diving” tag of 3 phl dive sites by lonely planet, phl bags best overseas diving award 2020, statement of department of tourism, dot’s phidex 2020 goes digital, dot-dole amended jmc further expands coverage of beneficiaries, dot welcomes new protocols for arriving passengers, dot bats for a more fun, safe and sustainable laguna, dot chief: green corridors are critical to tourism recovery, dot statement on destination test requirements, dot statement on boracay tourists, dot welcomes asean as a single tourism destination, iatf allows baguio hotels to receive domestic tourists under gcq, raising the bar of filipino hospitality with the leadership excellence series 2021, dot lauds inclusion of tourism frontliners in priority group for vaccination, dot’s ‘kain na’ cooks up online food fest, phl hosts 3rd asean meet on tourism professionals; dot commits to beef up competency of tourism workforce in the new normal, safety marshalls to ensure physical distancing when beaches, resorts reopen, 10,000 bpo jobs for displaced tourism workers, zero interest loans, no collateral, easy terms for distressed tourism businesses, puyat to grace baguio reopening; dot to go big on domestic tourism in 2021, chocolate, coffee, tea take centerstage in dot’s kain na food festival, dot receives safetravels stamp from world tourism body, puyat launches baguio’s vis.i.t.a. platform, reopening of boracay to more markets builds momentum for domestic tourism revival, puyat: even in most unusual ways, tourism must stay alive, message of tourism secretary bernadette romulo-puyat on the celebration of the world tourism day, dot statement on the city garden grand hotel, dot chief supports negrense cookbook launch, vows continued support to thriving food tourism scene in western visayas, dot statement on the closure of makati shangri-la hotel, dot pledges to help negros occidental get ready for more domestic tourists, dot welcomes the first two recipients of the wttc safe travel stamp, dot statement on baguio party incident, dot welcomes iatf decision to allow balikbayans, dot launches “have a safe trip, pinas” to promote safe travels and support tourism workers, dot celebrates ph’s victory as world’s leading dive destination and tourist attraction for intramuros in 2020, dot welcomes coron’s reopening on dec. 1 with health and safety measures in place, dot aims for data-driven response to tourism recovery under new normal with survey, dot backs enhanced contact tracing; announces low-cost covid tests with up-pgh for boracay-bound tourists, puyat encourages affected tourism workforce to avail of the expanded dot-dole financial assistance, dot welcomes strides to reboot mice, puyat visits batangas, shores up dive tourism, statement of the dot on cebu resort incident, dot presents virtual concert to promote manila’s cultural heritage sites, dot, makatimed foundation forge partnership for tourism destination health security, dot launches webinar training on reducing single-use plastics for hospitality sector, dot to assist zambales in safe and gradual tourism reopening, dot bats for uniform lgu travel requirements, dot, tpb promote pinoy christmas through music, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot’s 2020 kain na satisfies christmas cravings on fourth leg, dot prepares local destinations, accommodation establishments for wttc safe travels stamp application, 27,000 displaced tourism workers of car receive dot-dole financial assistance, dot backs temporary suspension of flights from uk, dot inspires balikbayans to come home with ‘balikan ang pilipinas’ campaign, dot, tpb expand rt-pcr financial subsidy program for 11,600 tourists through pcmc, dot reiterates penalties for quarantine hotels used for staycation and other purposes, dot supports strict entry protocols in light of new covid-19 variant, dot reiterates rule on staycation hotels, dot celebrates boracay and palawan inclusion in conde nast’s 25 best island beaches in the world list, dot issues guidelines for safe ‘staycation’, dot accreditation goes digital, boracay reopens, heralds “safe, gradual” revival of philippine tourism, dot gets coa’s highest rating on 2019 audit, dot sees domestic tourism boom in baguio with affordable antigen testing, phl islands named top favorites by int’l travel magazine, dot welcomes reopening of ilocos norte to luzon tourists on oct 15, dot funds rt-pcr testing of boracay tourism workers, dot inks tourism “cares for travel” msme loan program with sb corp, health, safety rules drawn up for recreational diving, batangas now open to divers – dot, puyat reminds ‘staycation hotels’ to follow rules, protocols, dot welcomes baguio city’s opening to guests from luzon starting oct. 22, dot statement on the opening of ilocos sur starting nov 15, ridge and reef corridor heralds domestic tourism recovery, puyat – hotels in gcq, mgcq may now be allowed to operate at full capacity, pra to amend retirement policies, suspends processing of srrv applications, dot supports expansion of palawan’s travel bubble starting oct. 30, tourism chief bats for covid-19 tests price cap, dot urges tourism businesses to avail of sb corp’s covid-19 loan program, dot leadership excellence series returns anew, dot statement on the inclusion of palawan and boracay in big 7 travel’s list of 50 most beautiful places, dot, tpb launch official philippine travel app, dot, dole agree on guidelines for cash-for-work program for displaced tourism workers, tour guides, dot’s kain na takes on food trips for november, intramuros is now asia’s leading tourist attraction the philippines and dot receive accolades at the 2020 world travel awards asia winners day, statement of the department of tourism on prrd’s signing of eo 118, dot inks mou on tourism education, training, dot partners with nissan to promote ‘safe trips’, dot allows operation of 7,200 hotels, resorts, dot lauds ibagiw 2020, baguio’s creative city festival, dot welcomes reopening of phl’s surfing capital, siargao, ridge and reef travel corridor expands to ilocos sur, dot chief visits baguio city, touts cultural tourism with creative crawls, sec. puyat to grace 2020 bambanti festival, dot allocates p340.7m for iloilo tourism infrastructure development, tourist arrivals mark 7.4m in november, up by 15.58%, safety of tourists is dot’s top priority – sec. puyat, dot, cab collaborate to enhance air passenger’s bill of rights, statement of the department of tourism, 2nd statement of the department of tourism, dot thanks smart for emergency satellite phones, dot–dotr meet to boost tourism infra, connectivity; puyat to push approval of 1b for night–rated airports, dot chief to visit, vows to revitalize baguio, tourism chief: phl one with asean in responding to covid crisis.

• Open Data Portal
• Official Gazette
• Office of the President
• Sandiganbayan
• Senate of the Philippines
• House of Representatives
• Department of Health
• Department of Finance
• Supreme Court
• Court of Appeals
• Court of Tax Appeals
• Judicial Bar and Council
• Bureau of Internal Revenue
• Bureau of Customs
• Bureau of Treasury
• Bureau of Local Government Finance

Tourism industry in the Philippines

Statistics report on the tourism industry in the Philippines

This report presents graphs and tables about the tourism industry in the Philippines, particularly on the industry's economic contribution to the country's economy. It also provides a market overview of inbound, domestic, and outbound tourism in the country. It also includes information on accommodation.

Download your Report

Table of contents.

• Premium Statistic International tourist arrivals worldwide 2019-2022, by subregion
• Basic Statistic Value of domestic tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Value of international tourism spending APAC 2022, by country
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to employment APAC 2022, by country
• Premium Statistic Estimated online travel and tourism revenue Philippines 2023, by category

Economic impact

• Premium Statistic Gross value added of the tourism industry Philippines 2019-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Share of tourism GDP Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Tourism industry growth rate Philippines 2018/19-2021/22, by sector
• Premium Statistic Tourism receipts Philippines 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourism expenditures Philippines 2022, by travel type
• Premium Statistic Tourism sector employment figures Philippines 2012-2022

Inbound tourism

• Basic Statistic International tourist arrivals Philippines 2012-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals Philippines 2023, by country of residence
• Premium Statistic Expenditure value in inbound tourism Philippines 2021-2022, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight tourists Philippines 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Average length of stay of inbound tourists Philippines 2012-2021

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of domestic tourism trips Philippines 2012-2021
• Premium Statistic Domestic passenger count Philippines 2023, by airline
• Premium Statistic Household expenditure share of domestic tourism spending Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by product

Outbound tourism

• Premium Forecast Number of international tourist departures in the Philippines 2014-2029
• Premium Statistic Outbound tourism expenditures Philippines 2020-2022, by segment
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on accommodation services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on food and beverage services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022
• Premium Statistic Expenditures on travel agency services in outbound tourism Philippines 2012-2022

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Overnight travelers Philippines 2022, by type
• Premium Forecast Revenue of the hotels industry in the Philippines 2019-2028
• Premium Statistic Average hotel room rates Metro Manila Philippines 2021-2023, by star classification
• Premium Statistic Highest overnight room rates of hotels in Metro Manila, Philippines 2023, by city
• Premium Forecast Revenue of the vacation rentals industry in the Philippines 2019-2028

If this report contains a copyright violation , please let us know. Note that you will leave this page when you click the link.

Recommended and recent reports

Recommended statistics.

• Basic Statistic Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP of India 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2022
• Premium Statistic Market size of the tourism sector worldwide 2011-2024
• Basic Statistic Contribution of China's travel and tourism industry to GDP 2014-2023
• Basic Statistic Change of travel and tourism industry's contribution to GDP in China 2012-2023

Statista report shop

We provide information on industries, companies, consumers, trends, countries, and politics, covering the latest and most important issues in a condensed format.

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

• Immediate access to all reports
• Access to all Premium statistics
• Usage and publication rights

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines: Balancing Nature and Development

• April 12, 2023
• Nature and Wildlife

Sustainable tourism is crucial for the Philippines, a country known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. Balancing development with nature is a challenge, but eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and responsible tourism practices are being implemented.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why sustainable tourism is important for the Philippines. So if you’re looking to explore the Philippines with conscious travel in mind, let’s dive into some information about sustainable tourism!

Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is poised to become a leader in Sustainable Tourism. The country has already taken various steps to move towards that goal. There has been an increased focus on greening tourism initiatives. With community-based conservation and development a main driver. There are now more ecotourism sites that allow local communities to be part of the conversation and benefit from their participation in eco-tourism events.

This helps create jobs, resources, and social networks around sustainable practices. The government’s strong tie with international organizations such as UNEP and IUCN offers a great opportunity for the Philippines to continue leading the way. When it comes to sustainable tourism, leveraging both global and local efforts to achieve this important mission.

The challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is a beautiful country, filled with stunning natural scenery. However, the growth of different forms of tourism has presented the nation with a unique set of challenges.  With rapid development taking place, environmentally conscious measures must be taken into account. For businesses and tourists alike sustainable practices are to be implemented. Here are some of the challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines:

Limited Awareness and Understanding

One of the main challenges in implementing sustainable tourism in the Philippines is the limited awareness and understanding of sustainable tourism. Many tourism industry players may not have sufficient knowledge about sustainable tourism practices. But, the public may not appreciate the importance of responsible tourism practices.

Insufficient Resources and Infrastructure

Another challenge is the lack of resources and infrastructure needed to support sustainable tourism. This includes inadequate waste management systems, limited public transportation options, and insufficient funding for conservation of natural resources.

Conflicting Interests and Priorities

Conflicting interests and priorities among stakeholders can create obstacles to sustainable tourism. Some local communities may prioritize short-term economic benefits over long-term sustainability goals. Developers and investors may prioritize profitability over environmental concerns. Such conflicting interests can make it difficult to achieve a balanced approach to tourism development.

Sustainable Tourism Practices in the Philippines

Sustainable tourism practices are gaining importance in the Philippine travel industry. With a variety of biodiverse regions, ranging from mountain paddies to marine sanctuaries. The Philippines is incredibly rich in natural resources and as such has much to offer travelers. Especially those seeking interactive experiences that promote environmental stewardship.

Local governments and tour providers have stepped up their commitment to developing eco-friendly sites and services. Visitors can enjoy the region’s many active adventures while taking part in educational activities that re-connect them with the environment.

Eco-tourism

Writing about eco-tourism and sustainable practices in the Philippines is a subject that should be taken seriously. It can have significant positive effects on the environment. The Department of Tourism in the Philippines has identified several sustainable tourism practices. They are currently under consideration for implementation.

These practices include training tourists ahead of their arrival to reduce waste. Eliminating single-use items such as plastic bottles, discouraging off-road driving, and promoting responsible dietary practices. These principles seek to protect fragile ecosystems while also creating an engaging an experience for visitors.

Community-based tourism

Community-based tourism is gaining widespread popularity in the Philippines. Its a mean of promoting sustainable tourism practices. Connecting with local communities allows visitors to gain insights into the cultural identities of different regions. Local communities are also given an opportunity to benefit from the income generated by tourism activities.

Tourists are able to experience immersive journeys through interactions with genuinely friendly local people. They discover historic sites and places of natural beauty. This type of tourism encourages the upkeep of traditional lifestyles. The linguistic dialects and arts which might otherwise be lost due to modernization.

Responsible tourism

The Philippines is an increasingly popular destination for travelers who value responsible tourism. Sustainable practices in the area are quickly gaining traction. The initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of tourism, provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with local cultures. It strengthens accommodations that support those from the poorest backgrounds, and promote sustainable ways.

From joining eco-friendly tours to choosing suppliers dedicated to sustainability, travelers committed to responsible tourism. They are empowered to make conscious decisions that benefit both tourists and locals alike. The continued commitment to sustainable practices throughout its fast growing tourist industry. Philippines continues to be a prime location for travelers.

Examples of Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines

The Philippines is becoming a popular destination for eco-enthusiasts and sustainable travel. More and more people taking part in ethical tourism. There are an increasing amount of examples of sustainable tourism in the country for travelers to get involved with! Many local tour operators offer carbon-neutral tours or hikes and biking trails supported by green energy sources. Tourists can also visit communities and participate in environmentally friendly conservation projects.

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park

Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Thanks to its stunning scenery of coral reefs, pristine waters, and beautiful fish. This natural area consists of two atolls known as South and North Atoll. Established in 1988 as part of National Integrated Protected Areas System Act administrated.

It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 due to its ecological importance. According to DENR’s website, sustainable tourism ensures that local communities benefit from the site. It also preserves its marine resources through informed management.

Apo Island is located off the coast of Negros Oriental. A renowned for its effective protection of marine life. It has helped make it one of the best diving spots in the world. It was proclaimed a Marine Reserve and Protected Landscape & Seascape by President Corazon Aquino in 1988. Tourist activities on the island are carefully managed in order to minimize their environmental impact. Activities offered on Apo Island include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and leisurely beach walks.

It is one of the clearest examples of sustainable tourism in the Philippines. Its commitment to conservation combined with a stunning natural environment make it a destination for travelers.

Batanes Islands

Situated in the far north of the Philippine archipelago, The Batanes Islands are an example of sustainable tourism done right. With their unique culture, landscape and historical sites that have remained unspoiled for centuries, visitors are able to experience this ecological paradise with its lush forests, endless coastlines and volcanic hills. The islands also boast some of the best conservation efforts amongst all provinces in the Philippines, emphasizing on environmental protection such as upholding strict regulations against littering and boosting organic farming.

Tourists can even engage in activities such as snorkeling and forest bathing whilst being surrounded by wildlife like sea turtles, tropical fish and a variety of birds without needing to worry about leaving a footprint behind. By visiting these beautiful islands, people are able to gain a deeper understanding of how conservation can be achieved yet still be enjoyable.

The Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is an approach that takes into consideration the environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of tourism and provides proactive solutions to mitigate these effects. It requires a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach between stakeholders in order to achieve the desired objectives in a sustainable manner. Stakeholders play a crucial role in making this happen, as they help provide relevant context, bring resources to the table, clarify roles and responsibilities, identify opportunities and develop consensus among various parties.

Sustainable tourism is of great importance for our world, and governments must play a leading role in coordinating and collaborating between various stakeholders to ensure that it is pursued in an effective manner. Governments should put in place legislation and policies that support sustainable tourism, such as reducing emissions through regulations and supporting local businesses by providing incentives for eco-tourism initiatives.

Additionally, they should provide guidance to the private sector on how to move forward sustainably while supporting the interests of communities, promoting the conservation of natural resources and curbing human-caused pollution. Lastly, governments should serve as facilitators between key stakeholders such as non-profits, tourism industry professionals and citizens at large so that everyone can engage in coming up with solutions to ensure sustainable tourism.

Private sector

These entities are key stakeholders in sustainable tourism, and their responsibility for promoting responsible practices and outcomes should not be overlooked. Private sector players include hotels and transportation providers, but also include tour operators, shops, restaurants, and many other services used by tourists.

From the perspective of sustainability, private sector stakeholders should focus on the guest experience by setting up affordable but quality accommodation options; incorporating information about local culture into hospitality services; selecting locally produced foods to serve guests; using renewable energy sources if possible; actively engaging in environmental activities such as tree planting or beach cleanups.

Communities

Communities play an essential role in creating and maintaining sustainable tourism. From residents to business owners and local government, the stakeholders involved have a responsibility to advocate for high quality operations that emphasize positive environmental and socio-economic impact. Residents should educate themselves on green practices, support businesses that take on sustainability efforts, and demand responsible initiatives from their representatives.

Business owners can adopt innovative technologies or new policies that promote renewable energy usage or reduce waste production. Government representatives are tasked with executing laws or regulations pertaining to tourism operations that have long term positive outcomes, while also ensuring immediate community needs are met as well. Sustainable tourism is a shared effort.

Tourists have an essential role to play in creating a sustainable and equitable tourism industry. The processes involved in managing and governing tourism are mediated by stakeholders, including a number of actors such as destination managers, policy makers, and the participants who inhabit this ecosystem.

As one of those key stakeholders, tourists need to be aware that they hold a great deal of power when it comes to their choices when travelling, both socially and environmentally. From conscious consumerism to actively engaging with local communities and understanding some of the complexities associated with travelling responsibly, tourists have obligations and opportunities to help drive positive change for our planet.

In Conclusion

The sustainable tourism industry in the Philippines can be a great vehicle for both economic development, as well as conservation of natural and cultural heritage if properly managed. By focusing on maximizing the use of local resources, utilizing ecotourism practices, and placing a high importance on environmental education.

Through these efforts, not only can tourists enjoy all that one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth has to offer, but rural local communities and habitats can continue to reap the benefits while maintaining both their rich culture and ancestral environment.

Pongas Falls, a serene haven in Mountain Province, boasts a rich geological past. Tucked amid vibrant flora and wildlife,

Kiltepan in the Philippines is a morning marvel known for its captivating sunrise and the mesmerizing sea of clouds

Sumaguing Cave in Mountain Province is a geological marvel with unique rock formations, offering thrilling caving adventures for all

Mountain Province’s 8 Beautiful Waterfalls, from Canabo’s hidden gem to the enchanting Paradise Falls, offer a refreshing escape into

Visiting Kalinga in the Philippines is a must for anyone seeking an amazing and unique experience. Not only is

Cambulo Rice Terraces in Ifugao is an enchanting natural marvel. Carved meticulously into the mountains, these terraces boast a

Ifugao, a pristine paradise in the Philippines, offers a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Tappiya Falls, a concealed treasure in

Kiangan Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled in Ifugao’s heart, is a biodiversity haven awaiting your exploration. This sanctuary teems with diverse

Critical Perspectives on International Planning

Tourism Planning in Archipelagic Philippines

Reforming the service industry to serve people. 

By Frank Mabalatan

Introduction

Tourism has long been the biggest industry in archipelagic Philippines, prompting the Filipino Congress to enact the Tourism Act of 2009, which confirms a federal commitment to the tourism industry by welcoming international investment and prioritizing the hiring of Filipino workers. As a country known for exporting workers abroad, Filipinos recognize the opportunity to use the tourism industry to keep jobs and workers within the country and develop a stronger economic infrastructure. However, Filipinos have begun to question how these developments are changing both the physical and socio-economic landscape of the county, leading to urban sprawl and threats to marine protected areas (Abanilla-Del Mundo, 2019; Christie, White, Deguit, 2002).

One response to this large-scale tourism development is community-based tourism (CBT), which seeks to return agency to Filipinos who reside in these tourist destinations. In Abanilla-Del Mundo’s 2019 study of 400 community members of Batangas province, she found that democratization efforts in the beach tourism industry in the province led to local community members becoming highly involved in the peace and security, marketing and management, and environmental protection divisions of tourism ventures. Abanilla-Del Mundo found that community members were willing to organize and administer new emergency services, formulating ordinances and laws on tourist security, organizing festivals and events, and preserving the surrounding marine environment. This is a departure from the historical method of having developments and hospitality firms fill this responsibility, limiting community members to only fulfill service roles.

 Batangas City, Centre for Sustainable, Healthy, and Learning Cities and Neighborhoods

Club Laiya in Batangas, Rod Magaru, Flickr

Shamsuddin and Ujang (2008) explain that “[a]ttachment to the traditional shopping streets [in Malaysia] was more prevalent to the users who were economically dependent on the area and marked their presence through constant interaction and long-term association” (p. 403). This idea of place attachment is particularly important in the case of Batangas and other beach tourism areas in the Philippines, in part because of local communities’ economic dependence on the tourism industry and the intimate impacts of tourism on residents’ lives. To counter the threats to traditional place-making and attachments to place and community stemming from tourism, CBT places the responsibility of tourism management on local community members, allowing them to more effectively shape the development of the industry. CBT thus can be understood as a restorative developmental practice based on cultivating traditional place attachment among residents. In the period of tourism development before CBT, archipelagic communities lost attachment to their communities because of the developers’ monopoly over management and administration, but CBT restores that place attachment by providing more control to residents.

The impact of CBT is illustrated by the efforts to enforce marine-protected areas (MPAs) to maintain the ocean’s biodiversity. The drastic landscaping required to build beach developments and the attendant increase in fishing puts a severe strain on the marine ecosystem surrounding these islands. To contend with these problems, in 1985-86 local residents and officials established small, no-take MPAs on Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands through a community-based process. Conservationists have been diligently managing the MPAs since then, collaborating with their municipal governments to enforce bans on damaging processes such as blast fishing and disruptive scuba diving. As the example of the Balicasag and Pamilacan islands suggests, a coordinated effort between local community members, municipal officials, and dive tourist entrepreneurs is required to maintain the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem Christie, White, Deguit, 2002). This coordination between community members, scientists, and local governments creates a new attitude towards tourism in the interest of environmental preservation, reflecting the ideas of self-governance proposed by Nunbogua et al. (2018). Additionally, this coordination illustrates the significance of mobilities as articulated by Simone (2004), i.e. “the capacity of individual actors to circulate across and become familiar with a broad range of spatial, residential, economic, and transactional positions” (p. 408) provided the connections necessary to effectively develop and maintain MPAs.

Balicasag Reef, Guide to the Philippines

 Pamilacan Island, Jacob Maentz, Getty Images

Implications

The Filipino tourism industry has a potent impact on the country’s economy, providing an opportunity to take advantage of the country’s natural resources to transition into a more diverse national economic profile. However, a difficult balance must be struck between the leveraging of the tourism industry and the well-being of the local communities and the environment where these tourist ventures are being developed. A service industry such as tourism has the potential to transform a place or a locality into an environment that is totally in the service of these groups and not those who live in these communities. Community-based tourism and marine protection are crucial methods for returning agency to communities in the face of rapid tourist development.

Community members of archipelagic Philippines have struggled with a loss of place attachment because of their economic dependence on the tourism industry and the negative impacts of beach tourism on their communities. However, as Shamsuddin’s and Ujang’s (2008) definition of long-term interaction suggests, CBT has now provided an opportunity to regain their place attachment. The reclamation of agency and control through managerial and administrative positions in tourist ventures in the Province of Batangas and the MPAs of the Balicasag and Pamilacan Islands illustrate Nunbogua et al.’s (2018) concept of community self-governance and Simone’s (2004) idea of mobilities, whereby structures of self-governance are developed through forging connections with external actors. Ultimately, CBT provides residents with an opportunity to regain control of their communities while at the same time ensuring that the tourism industry, built on their land and natural resources, is preserved to benefit community members.

Social Widgets powered by AB-WebLog.com .

2020 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) - Economy-Wide: Preliminary Results

This Special Release highlights the preliminary results of the 2020 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) for tourism characteristic industries classified according to the 2016 Philippine Tourism Statistical Classification System (PTSCS).

Number of establishments in the tourism characteristic industries increased by 5.5 percent

The preliminary results of the 2020 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) showed that a total of 40,815 establishments in the formal sector of the economy were engaged in tourism characteristic activities. This was higher by 5.5 percent compared with the 38,699 recorded tourism characteristic establishments in 2014. (Table A)

Among the tourism characteristic industries, food and beverage serving activities recorded the highest share to the total number of establishments at 24,584 or 60.2 percent. Education, health and personal service activities followed with 7,591 establishments (18.6%). On the third spot was accommodation for visitors with 4,070 establishments (10.0%). (Table 1 and Figure 1)

Food and beverage serving activities hired the highest number of workers

A total of 672,947 workers were engaged in tourism characteristic activities in 2020. This represents a decrease of -12.6 percent compared with the reported 770,202 workers in 2014. (Table A)

By tourism characteristic industry, food and beverage serving activities hired the highest number of workers of 275,715 or 41.0 percent of the total. This was followed by education, health and personal service activities with 214,675 workers or 31.9 percent.  Far behind was accommodation for visitors with 83,457 workers (12.4%). (Table 1 and Figure 2)

Figure 2. Distribution of Employment by Tourism Characteristic Industry: Philippines, 2020

Food and beverage serving activities reported the biggest share to revenue generated from tourists

The total revenue generated from tourists in 2020 amounted to PhP 360.96 billion. Compared with the total revenue generated from tourists in 2014, this reflects a decrease of -26.2 percent. (Table A)

The top three industries in terms of revenue generated from tourists in 2020 were as follows:

1. Food and beverage serving activities with PhP 188.45 billion (52.2%); 2. Air passenger transport with PhP 58.87 billion (16.3%); and                                               3. Accommodation for visitors with PhP 40.45 billion (11.2%). (Table 1 and Figure 3).

About 6.1 percent of the establishments planned to expand and 8.2 percent planned to renovate within the next five years

Of the total 40,815 tourism characteristic establishments registered in  2020, 6.1 percent  planned  to expand  their business operations within  the  next five years.  This was lower by 4.5 percentage points from the 2014 proportion of 10.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the proportion of establishments with plan to renovate within the next five years was 8.2 percent, lower by 7.7 percentage points from the  15.9 percent recorded in 2014. (Figure 4, Tables A and 1)

Listed below are the top tourism characteristic industries relative to their expansion and renovation plans within the next five years:

1. Food and beverage serving activities with 47.6 percent of the establishments with expansion plan and 41.0 percent with plan to renovate; 2. Education, health and personal service activities with 23.0 percent of the establishments with plan to expand and 21.9 percent with plan to renovate; and 3. Accommodation for visitors with 15.4 percent of the establishments with expansion plan and 20.5 percent with plan to renovate. (Table 1 and Figure 4)

Solid waste generated from tourism characteristic industries totaled to 67.55 million kilograms in 2020

More than 95.0 percent of the total solid waste disposed by tourism characteristics industries in 2020 were generated by three out of the 12 tourism characteristics industries. These three industries with highest solid waste disposal in 2020 were food and beverage serving activities with 49.5 percent share, followed by education, health and personal service activities, and accommodation for visitors with 25.4 percent and 20.2 percent share, respectively. (Table 1)

Air passenger transport recorded the highest proportion of establishments with DOT accreditation

About 27.0 percent of the total tourism characteristics establishments reported in 2020 were accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This was higher by 3.1 percentage points than the reported proportion of 23.6 percent in 2014. (Table A)

DIVINA GRACIA L. DEL PRADO, Ph.D. (Assistant National Statistician) Officer-in-Charge, Deputy National Statistician Sectoral Statistics Office

TECHNICAL NOTES

I. Introduction

This Special Release presents the preliminary results of the 2020 Survey of Tourism Establishments in the Philippines (STEP).

The 2020 STEP is the third survey conducted on tourism establishments in the Philippines. It is a rider to the 2020 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI). Data collected from the survey provide information on the availability of supply of tourism goods, products and services, which are valuable inputs in the compilation of the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA).

The conduct of the 2020 STEP is authorized under Republic Act 10625 known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, which mandates reorganizing and strengthening of the Philippine Statistical System (PSS), its agencies and instrumentalities.

II. Data Collection and Processing

The survey was conducted nationwide in 2021 with the year 2020 as the reference period of data, except for employment which is as of 15 November 2020.

Sample establishments were given various options in accomplishing the survey questionnaire. These were the following:

• online questionnaire available at https://step.psa.gov.ph; • electronic copy of the questionnaire either in portable document format (.pdf) or Excel (.xlsx) file format; and • printed copy of the questionnaire.

The Establishment Data Management System (EDMS) was utilized in the decentralized processing of 2020 STEP questionnaires in the provinces.

Data are presented by tourism characteristic industries classified according to the 2016 Philippine Tourism Statistical Classification System (PTSCS).

III. Taxonomy of Establishments

An establishment is defined as an economic unit under a single ownership or control which engages in one or predominantly one kind of economic activity at a single fixed location.

An establishment is categorized by its economic organization, legal organization, industrial classification, employment size, and geographic location.

Economic Organization refers to the organizational structure or role of the establishment in the organization. An establishment may be single establishment, branch, establishment and main office with branches elsewhere, main office only, and ancillary unit other than main office.

Legal Organization refers to the legal form of the economic entity, which owns the establishment. An establishment may be single proprietorship, partnership, government corporation, stock corporation, non-stock corporation, or cooperative.

Industrial Classification of an economic unit was determined by the activity from which it derives its major income or revenue. The 2009 PSIC, which was approved for adoption by government agencies and instrumentalities through PSA Resolution No. 01 Series of 2017-158 signed on 14 February 2017 was utilized to classify economic units according to their economic activities.

Size of an establishment is determined by its total employment as of the time of visit during the latest Updating of the List of Establishments.

T otal Employment (TE) refers to the total number of persons who work in or for the establishment. This includes paid employees, working owners, unpaid workers and all employees who work full-time or part-time including seasonal workers. Also included are persons on short-term leave such as those on sick, vacation or annual leaves and on strike.

Geographic Classification refers to the grouping of establishments by geographic area using the Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC) classification. The PSGC contains the latest updates on the official number of regions, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays in the Philippines. The PSGC as of 31 December 2020 was used for the 2020 STEP.

IV. Scope and Coverage

The 2020 STEP was a nationwide undertaking and covered tourism characteristic industries classified according to the 2016 Philippine Tourism Statistical Classification System (PTSCS) as defined in Table 1.

Table 1. Scope and Coverage of the 2020 STEP

The survey was confined to the formal sector of the economy, which consists of the following:

• Corporations and partnership • Cooperatives and foundations • Single proprietorship with employment of 10 and over; and • Single proprietorships with branches

Hence, the 2020 STEP covered only the following economic units:

All establishments with total employment (TE) of 10 or more, and;

• All establishments with TE of less than 10, except those establishments with Legal Organization = 1 (single proprietorship) and Economic Organization = 1 (single establishment), that are engaged in economic activities classified according to the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC).

V. Sampling Design

The 2020 STEP uses stratified systematic sampling design with 5-digit PSIC serving as industry strata (industry domain) and the employment size as the second stratification variable.

Stratified systematic sampling is a process of dividing the population into homogeneous groups, called strata , and then selecting independent samples in each stratum systematically. This method ensures that all important subgroups of the population are represented in the sample and increases the precision of “overall” survey estimates.

The geographic domain of the 2020 STEP is at the national level. The industry domain/stratum is 5-digit industry classification, and the employment domain/stratum is the MSME classification.

Unit of Enumeration

The unit of enumeration for the 2020 STEP is the establishment.

Sampling Frame of Establishments

The frame for the 2020 STEP was the list of samples of the 2020 ASPBI, which was extracted from the preliminary 2020 List of Establishments (LE) as of 06 January 2021.   This is to ensure that the sample of STEP is a sample of ASPBI as well.

Estimation Procedure

By MSME Classification

a. Total Estimate by MSME Classification

     m    denotes the employment stratum based on MSME classification        j   1, 2, 3,…, nm establishments   X mj    value of the j th establishment in the employment stratum based on MSME classification at the national level W mj    weight of the j th establishment in the employment stratum based on MSME classification at the national level

N m   total number of establishments in the employment stratum based on MSME classification at the national level n m   number of sample establishments in the employment stratum based on MSME classification at the national level

By Industry Domain

a. Non-certainty stratum (All other establishments not classified as MICE)

    g    denotes the non-certainty stratum for an industry domain     j    1, 2, 3,…, ng establishments X gj      value of the jth establishment in the non-certainty employment stratum for an industry domain at the national level W gj    weight of the jth establishment in the non-certainty employment stratum for an industry domain at the national level

N g   total number of establishments in the non-certainty employment stratum for an industry domain at the national level n g   number of sample establishments in the non-certainty employment stratum for an industry domain at the national level

b. Certainty stratum (Establishments under Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) as identified by the Department of Tourism (DOT)

The estimate of the total of a characteristic ( X c ) for the certainty stratum in an industry domain at the national level is

    c  denotes the certainty stratum     j  1, 2, 3, …, hc establishments X cj   value of the jth establishment in the certainty employment stratum in an industry domain at the national level h c   number of establishments in the certainty employment stratum industry domain within each region

c. Total Estimate by MSME and Industry Domain

where   d denotes the MSME or industry domain

Weight Adjustment Factor for Non-Response

To account for non-response and non-eligible respondents of the survey, the base weight was multiplied with the adjustment factor for each of the sampling unit. The computation of the weights is as follows.

a. Base Weight

W hj   = weight of the j th establishment in the h th stratum N h     = total no. of establishments belonging to the h th stratum n h      = total no. of sample establishments in the h th stratum

a. Adjustment Factor

To take into account for the non-responding sample establishments and non-eligible respondents, the adjustment factor by region and industry domain is as follows:

A s    = adjustment factor for industry domain s X 1i   = eligibility status of the ith establishment (1 if eligible, 0  otherwise) X 2i   = responding status of the ith establishment (1 if responding, 0 otherwise)

b. Final Weights

The final weights is the product of the base weight and adjustment factor.  That is,

VI. Response Rate

Response rate for 2020 STEP was 92.7 percent (9,132 out of 9,849 establishments). This included receipts of "good" questionnaires, partially accomplished questionnaires, and reports of closed, moved out or out of scope establishments.

Of the total respondents, 226 establishments responded online.

Reports of establishments which were found to be duplicate of another establishment, out-of-scope and out of business in 2020 were not included in the generation of statistical tables.

VII. Concepts and Definitions of Terms

Accreditation refers to a certification issued by the Department of Tourism, which recognizes the holder to having complied with its minimum standards in the operation of the establishment concerned.

Bed capacity is the maximum number of beds, which can be installed or set up in an assisted living facility at any given time for use of residents.

Booking office is a room where tickets are sold and booked, especially in a theater or station.

Carrier refers to a transportation company, such as an airline, motor coach, cruise line, or railroad, which carries passengers and/or cargo carrying capacity: the amount of tourism a destination can handle.

Carrying capacity is the amount of visitor activity that a site or destination can sustain.

Commission refers to the percentage of selling price paid to a retailer by a supplier. In the travel industry, travel agents receive commissions for selling tour packages or other services.

Computer reservation systems (CRS) are used for inventory management by airlines, hotels and other facilities. CRS can allow direct access through terminals for intermediaries to check availability, make reservations and print tickets.

Composting refers to the controlled decomposition of organic matter by micro-organisms, mainly bacteria and fungi, into a humus-like product.

Contractual employee refers to one employed by a contractor or subcontractor to perform or complete a job, work or service pursuant to an arrangement between the latter and a principal.

Disposal refers to the discharge, deposit, dumping, spilling, leaking or placing of any solid waste into or in any land.

Domestic tourism refers to tourism of resident visitors within the economic territory of the country of reference.

Electronic payment (e.g. Credit card, ATM) refers to money   paid electronically. Also known as e-money, electronic cash, electronic currency, digital money, digital cash or digital currency.

Inbound tourism refers to tourism of non-resident visitors within the economic territory of the country of reference.

Non-supervisory employees include any employee who does not have authority to hire, discharge, promote, transfer, suspend, layoff, or discipline other employees or to effectively recommend such action, or who is not in a confidential relationship with management. Determination of non-supervisory and confidential status shall be made by the manager.

Outbound tourism refers to tourism of resident visitors outside the economic territory of the country of reference.

Regular or permanent employment is when an employee performs activities that are usually necessary or desirable in the usual business or trade of the employer.

Seasonal workers are individuals who were hired for a specific period to augment the regular employees due to high demand of clients and/or increased work demands during peak months.

Solid waste includes all discarded household, commercial waste, non-hazardous institutional, ports/harbour and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agriculture waste, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste.

Supervisory employee refers to an employee who, in the interest of the employer, effectively recommends managerial actions if the exercise of such authority is not merely routinely or clerical in nature but requires the use of independent judgement,

Tourism refers to activities of foreign and domestic visitors traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to employment with pay from within the place visited. Traveling for the purpose of conducting businesses, for education and training, etc., can also be part of tourism. Both foreign visitors (country of residence is other than the Philippines) and domestic visitors (Philippine residents) are covered in the survey.

Tourist/Visitor refers to a person traveling to a place other than that of his/her usual environment for less than 12 months and whose main purpose of the trip is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated within the place visited.

Tourism activities encompass all that foreign and domestic visitors do for a trip or while on a trip. It is not restricted to what could be considered as “typical” tourism activities such as sightseeing, sunbathing, visiting site, etc. From an economic point of view, the basic activity of foreign and domestic visitors is consumption, that is, the acquisition of consumption goods and services to satisfy individual or collective needs and wants.

Worker displacement is defined as the separation of workers to their jobs or termination of the employment relationship that is involuntary on the part of the worker, with a permanent effect without assurance of re-employment to the same employer or industry, and that is not caused by the worker’s job performance, work behavior and attitude, or work relations and other factors that are not attributable to the characteristics of the individual worker.