Orientation Workshop
Central Luzon Tourism Overview
National Tourism Act of 2009
Ecotourism Product Planning Workshop
Ronaldo “Ronnie” Tiotuico
Regional Director
Department of Tourism
Region III
Central Luzon
• 120o45I to 121o21IE
longitude and 14o 23I to
16010IN latitude
• 1.8 million hectares
• Divided into 7 provinces:
Aurora, Bataan,
Bulacan, Nueva Ecija,
Pampanga, Tarlac,
Zambales
Department of Tourism Region III
Regional Visitor Arrivals
Regional Visitor Statistics
Year
Foreign Domestic
Total
Inc/Dec
2002
99,511
239,165 338,676
2003
109,826
222,415 351,392
3.76%
2004
125,128
247,271 372,399
5.98%
2005
147,808
248,761 396,569
6.50%
2006
156,942
254,273 411,215
3.67%
2007
137,199
282,439 419,638
2.05%
2008
165,339
365,339 530,802 24.20%
2009
151,228
399,224 550,277
3.67%
Access to Destinations
SIXTEEN (16)
PRIORITY STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
OF CENTRAL LUZON
TARLAC-PANGASINAN-LA
UNION EXPRESSWAY
PANTABANGAN RESERVOIR
DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY
SYSTEM
IMPROVEMENT OF RIO-CHICO
RIVER
SIERRA MADRE (MARGINAL)
HIGHWAY
TARLAC-IBA ROAD
UPGRADING OF PANPHILIPPINE HIGHWAY
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
BALINTINGON DAM PROJECT
SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC
EXPRESSWAY
MANILA NORTH TOLLWAY
PROJECT
SUBIC BAY PORT
MANILA-CLARK RAPID
RAILWAY SYSTEM
GAPAN-SAN FERNANDOOLONGAPO (GSO) ROAD
BULACAN NORTH FOOD
TERMINAL COMPLEX
ORION PORT
CONCEPT PAPER/
PRE FS
ON-GOING
COMPLETE
THIRD RIVER PROJECT
Special Projects
Community-based Ecotourism Projects
DMIA Meet and Assist Counter
Website Development
(www.visitmyphilippines.com)
North Phils Tourism Fair
North Phils Tourism Alliance for Devt.
Phil. Intl. Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Disaster Relief Operation
Livelihood for the hearing-impaired (deaf)
National Tourism Act 2009
RA 9593
Who authored the law? When was it enacted?
Sen. Richard Gordon and was approved on May 12,
2009 by PGMA
What is the mandate of the Department of
Tourism?
Planning, programming, coordination, regulatory
govt agency in the development and promotion
of tourism
What is the effect of the law on local government
code?
Focus on shared responsibilities between national
and local governments; integration of national
and local plans for tourism development.
Technical assistance, training and other capacity
– building measures to LGUs for preparation
of development plans;
Data – gathering, enforcement laws and
regulations;
Priority assistance to LGUs with successful
tourism development plans;
LGUs to provide inventory of tourism resources
for use in national tourism development plan;
and
LGUs to report on the status of their tourism
plans and programs
LGUs to report on tourist arrivals, tourism
enterprises within their jurisdiction;
What are the regulatory functions and duties of
DOT in relation to tourism enterprises?
DOT , in consultation with LGUs, private sector,
to formulate and promulgate rules and
regulations governing operations of tourism
enterprises
DOT to set national standard for licensing,
accreditation and classification of tourism
enterprises
What are the primary tourism enterprises?
Travel and tour services (inbound), tourist transport
services (land, sea and air), airport taxis and
tourist drivers; accommodation (including
homestays, condotels, apartelles, and B & B
facilities), sports (dive shops, amusement parks,
adventure and ecotourism facilities); and foreign
exchange dealers
What are secondary tourism enterprises?
Restaurants, specialty shops, department stores;
sports facilities (museums and galleries, theme
parks and zoos); health and wellness; rest areas;
agri-tourism farms; training centers; and
outbound travel agencies
What is the definition of accreditation?
A certification issued by DOT that officially
recognizes a tourism enterprise as having
complied with the minimum standards for the
operation of its facilities and services.
Is accreditation mandatory?
Yes, periodic accreditation is compulsory and
mandatory for primary establishments but
voluntary for secondary establishments.
How does the law ensure compliance?
DOT accreditation prior to local licensing or
permit.
What if an establishment fails or refuses to
secure accreditation?
DOT to notify LGU for appropriate action. DOT to
recommend suspension or prohibition of
operation of establishments found to have
violated the law. LGU to issue closure order.
What are the benefits of DOT accreditation?
Promotional, training and other programs of
DOT and its attached agencies, among other
incentives
What are the powers of DOT in cases of
complaints against accredited TEs?
After due notice and hearing, DOT may impose
fines, or downgrade, suspend or revoke
accreditation of establishments; DOT shall
recommend to LGU the suspension or closure
of guilty TEs.
Can DOT delegate its accreditation function to
LGUs?
Yes, only to those that have successfully
implemented tourism development plans.
What is the Tourism Development Fund?
Fees and charges collected from accreditation of
TEs and conduct of trainings shall accrue to TDF
for Phil Tourism Promotions Board (PTPB) and
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
Authority (TIEZA).
How to maintain quality service?
DOT with TESDA shall develop programs for training
and certification of tourism professionals
including continuing education, apprenticeship
and capacity-building for industry manpower,
tour guides and tourism officers of LGUs.
Are LGUs required to appoint their own local
tourism officers?
Yes, permanent position for local tourism officer
in localities in which tourism is a significant
industry.
What are the qualifications of a local tourism
officer?
Resident of the locality, bachelor’s degree in
tourism, business, law, economics, marketing,
public administration; at least 5 years
experience in tourism (private or
government); DOT – sponsored trainings.
What are the functions of a local tourism
officer?
Preparation, implementation and monitoring of
local development plans; enforcement of
tourism standards, laws, rules and regulations;
submission of reports on status of tourism
plans and programs, tourist arrivals and
inventory of TEs, employment, occupancy
rates, inventory of tourism products and
resources; investment opportunities; and
coordinate with DOT in development and
promotion of local tourism.
Are LGUs required to establish tourist info centers?
Yes, LGUs with significant tourism industry are
required to establish tourist information and
assistance centers including provision for funds
and personnel.
What is the role of local tourism councils?
To initiate programs for tourism development and
environmental protection; to ensure accessibility
and affordability of prices in destinations; to
meet on a regular basis to classify and evaluate
destinations, sites and activities.
What are the functions of the regional offices?
Implement laws, rules and regulations, plans
and programs (accreditation, coordination
with LGUs and NGOs); research and data
gathering; trainings and information
campaigns; assist PTPB in domestic
promotions
How the law addresses the need to improve air
and land of the country?
DOT Secretary as ex-officio vice-chair of CAB; exofficio vice-chair of all international airports;
with representative in international seaports;
member of Civil Aviation Authority of the Phils
How about the lack of infrastructure support in vital
tourism destinations?
DOT, DPWH and DOTC shall coordinate in the
establishment of a Tourism Infrastructure
Program identifying vital access roads, airports,
seaports and other requirements in identified
tourism areas.
What about Culture of Tourism?
It is defined as a sustainable tourism development
principle that binds national and local
governments, local communities, private sector
and stakeholders to work together in creating
pride of place and building a tourist friendly
destination.
Does the law give importance to culture of
tourism?
Yes, the law provides for the creation of a multiagency body known as Tourism Coordinating
Council to prepare a five (5) year strategic plan
to develop culture of tourism; approve the
annual tourism infrastructure program; and
DOT, DepEd, CHED and TESDA to develop basic
education programs for culture of tourism in
schools.
How does the law address the issue on peace
and order?
The creation of a tourism security force by PNP
to assist in maintaining peace and order in
areas of high tourism traffic; establish PNP
tourist police assistance desk with training on
cultural diversity, languages and relevant laws.
What is the role of the Tourism Congress?
It is envisioned to be a private sector
consultative body for implementation of
tourism policies, plans and programs; consists
of TEs and former DOT secretaries.
What are the attached agencies under DOT?
Phil Tourism Promotions Board, Tourism
Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority,
Duty Free Phils Corp., Intramuros Administration,
National Parks Development Committee, Nayong
Pilipino Foundation and Phil Commission on
Sports Scuba Diving. Phil Retirement Authority is
now under DOT.
What is the role of PTPB?
Marketing and promotion of the Philippines as a
major global tourism destination; increase tourist
traffic and investments; major meetings,
incentives, conventions and exhibitions; and
international advertisement of tourist
destinations.
What is the role of TIEZA?
Designate, regulate and supervise the Tourism
Enterprise Zones; manage and supervise
infrastructure projects; encourage
investments; and collection of travel taxes.
What are Tourism Enterprise Zones?
One contiguous territory hosting a variety of
historical and cultural attractions with supply
of existing leisure facilities; access through
transportation and reasonable connection
with utilities and infrastructure systems within
its bounds.
What are the incentives offered to TEZ Operators?
Income tax holidays for six (6) years, exception
from real estate taxes, exemption from national
and local taxes and license fees and assessments;
payment of only 5% of gross income; tax and
duty-free importation of capital investment and
capital; free importation of transportation; 100%
free importation of goods actually consumed in
the course of services rendered; tax credit
equivalent to all national internal revenue taxes
on locally-sourced goods and services; and tax
deduction for environmental protection, cultural
heritage conservation and livelihood programs
for local communities.
What are the non-fiscal incentives offered to TEZ
operators?
Employment of foreign nationals, special
investor’s resident visa, foreign currency
transactions, requisition of investment, and
lease and ownership of land.
Planning Your Ecotourism
Products
Definition of Ecotourism
World Tourism Organization
“Traveling to undisturbed natural areas with
specific object of studying, admiring and
enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and
animals as well as any existing cultural aspects
found in those areas.”
Definition
Ecotourism Society
“A purposeful travel to natural areas to understand
the culture and natural history of the environment
taking care not to alter the integrity of the
ecosystem while producing economic
opportunities that make the conservation of
natural resources beneficial to local people.”
What is common to all these?
In short….
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Natural area
Undisturbed
Wildlife (plants and animals)
Cultural biodiversity
Educational to tourists
Conservation of nature
Benefits to local community
Ecotourism Criteria
Rich natural attractions and conducive to travel
Unique features and education to visitors
Rich in flora and fauna, endemic/endangered species
Not frequented by commercial tourists
Native traditions of local people remain untouched
Rich in biodiversity
Beneficial to local host population
Trends in Tourism
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Increasing wealth and leisure time
Decreasing travel cost
Airline industry expansion
Fewer travel restrictions
Countries pursuing tourism as means to create jobs,
diversify their economies and earn foreign currency
• Tourism as a source of private profit and economic
development
Characteristics of eco-tourists
• Tourists are younger, better educated and better informed, and
have traveled to or visited the same place before
• Tourists are seeking more individualized trips, a wide range of
activities and more “authentic” experiences, both
environmentally and culturally
• Focus is on enjoyment of nature such as beaches, coral reefs,
rain forests and wildlife (about 40-60% of tourists worldwide)
• Focus on unspoiled and less developed areas with low tourist
density such as rain forests and coral reefs
• Tourists now have higher sense of environmental and social
responsibility and a greater demand for tourism products that
do not degrade the environment
• Survey in the Philippines showed that 70% of
tourists were willing to spend US$50 more per
trip to conserve the areas they visited
• Tourists are choosing not to visit areas that have
been degraded
Tourism Planning
• Developing a theme for product ID and
development for tour operators or a community
• Guide for future actions
• Solve future problems
• Predict future scenarios
Eight Phases of Ecotourism Planning
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Phase I Mission Statement and Goal Setting
Phase II Resource Inventory and Analysis
Phase III Market Analysis
Phase IV Product Market Matching/Theme/Concept
Phase V Overall Development Plan
Phase VI Tour Product Development
Phase VII Market Strategy
Phase VIII Implementation Strategy
MISSION STATEMENT AND GOAL
SETTING
• what is important and deeply cared about
• the opportunity to serve a need
• the values to be protected
• what business are you in
• overall purpose for community existence
• Mission means expectations/values; Goals means aims or purposes;
Objectives means quantified targets; and strategies means types of
action
• Example: Mission (Be healthy); Goal (Lose Weight); Objective (Lose
10 lbs by Oct. 5); Strategy (Diet and exercise)
Mission, Goals, and Objectives
• Mission:
To provide socially and environmentally responsible
tourism at a profit
• Goal #1:
Implement sustainable economic development
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Objectives:
Increase visitor spending
Identify areas of unique value for conservation
Attract more tourists
Decrease leakages
Expand the tourism season
Workshop
Mission and Goal-setting
RESOURCE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
All resources are inventoried on the ff: criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Attractiveness
Ability to draw visitors
Accessibility and availability of services
Integrity
Contribution to environmental and cultural protection.
RESOURCE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
Ecotourism Products can be grouped according to:
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Natural or environmental
Community
Heritage or historic
Cultural
Outdoor recreation
Tourism services
Special events
Information/interpretive services
Workshop
Identify your ecotourism products
Classify them
The Competition
Depending on your location, the competition may
be in an adjacent province or region, or another
ASEAN country. It is important to appreciate that
similar ecotourism operators in an adjacent area
may be a collaborator or contributor to your
overall package.
COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS
Name of Competitor? _______________
Its Product Component: _____________
Its Competitive Features and Special Appeal?
_________________________
Market Origin? _____________________
Price Structure? ___________________
Marketing Approach? _______________
TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
• Preparation of Daily Itinerary
• Securing all services and suppliers
• Establish Price Structure
• Developing a partnership with tour operators
and wholesalers
Prepare the detailed tour package
itinerary
Date:
Time:
Places to Visit/Activities:
Special Events:
Services/Facilities to be offered:
Total Net Cost:
Itinerary
Date and time
Places to Visit
Remarks
Make group presentation
End of session