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

Department of Tourism Region III Central Luzon 120 o 45 I to 121 o 21 I E longitude and 14 o 23 I to I N latitude 1.8 million hectares Divided into 7 provinces: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales

Regional Visitor Arrivals

Regional Visitor Statistics YearForeignDomesticTotalInc/Dec ,511239,165338, ,826222,415351, % ,128247,271372, % ,808248,761396, %

,942254,273411, % ,199282,439419, % ,339365,339530, % ,228399,224550, %

Access to Destinations

ON-GOING ORION PORT GAPAN-SAN FERNANDO- OLONGAPO (GSO) ROAD SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC EXPRESSWAY SUBIC BAY PORT DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TARLAC-IBA ROAD IMPROVEMENT OF RIO-CHICO RIVER TARLAC-PANGASINAN-LA UNION EXPRESSWAY THIRD RIVER PROJECT MANILA NORTH TOLLWAY PROJECT MANILA-CLARK RAPID RAILWAY SYSTEM BULACAN NORTH FOOD TERMINAL COMPLEX BALINTINGON DAM PROJECT UPGRADING OF PAN- PHILIPPINE HIGHWAY SIERRA MADRE (MARGINAL) HIGHWAY PANTABANGAN RESERVOIR DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM CONCEPT PAPER/ PRE FS SIXTEEN (16) PRIORITY STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS OF CENTRAL LUZON COMPLETE

Special Projects Community-based Ecotourism Projects DMIA Meet and Assist Counter Website Development ( 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; ex- officio 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 multi- agency 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…. 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 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 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 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.Attractiveness 2. Ability to draw visitors 3. Accessibility and availability of services 4. Integrity 5. Contribution to environmental and cultural protection.

RESOURCE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Ecotourism Products can be grouped according to: 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

Make group presentation End of session