The document outlines the Philippines' medium-term development plan for tourism from 2004-2010. It discusses how tourism has contributed significantly to economic growth. The Department of Tourism aims to increase international arrivals to 5 million and employment in the tourism sector from 3 to 6 million by 2010 through strategic promotion, product development, and reducing barriers to tourism growth. Key agencies will work together to achieve these targets and develop tourism in a sustainable manner.

2. Medium- Term Development Plan: Tourism Ray Jason A. Bornasal BSE 41

3. Overview Tourism has contributed significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine economy. While challenges in the global and domestic fronts have been encountered, it can be said that the industry’s performance for the past three years has set it on track to achieve its goal in becoming a powerful economic growth engine for generating jobs and creating economic activity in the country.

4. Department of tourism Main mission The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall be the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector.

5. Brief History of the Department of Tourism (DOT) -1950s - Started as a private initiative, the Philippine Tourist & Travel Association was organized. - 1956 - The Board of Travel & Tourist Industry was created by law. - 1973 - The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), and Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) were created by the Philippine government.

7. Hon. JOSEPH ACE H. DURANO Secretary Tel. No.: (632) 524 1751 Fax:(632) 521 7374 [email_address]

8. The Philippine Tourism The tourism industry is among the sectors that has the potential to boost the Philippine economy. It can be a powerful economic growth engine for the country, if developed in a sustainable manner. It deserves to be a top priority for national development because of the following reasons:

11. Visitor Arrivals :2004-2007 Source:http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/statdev/2009/tourism/Chapter_tourism.asp Accomplishments versus Targets 2.3 m 2.6 m 2.8 m 3.1 m 2.3 m 2.6 m 3 m 3.5 m 2004 2005 2006 2007 Visitor arrivals Target Year

16. Jobs Generated From 2004-October 2008 Source: DOT (as of Oct. 2008) Accomplishments versus Targets 2.8 m 3.2 m 3.5 m 3.8 m 3.1 m 2.8 m 3.3 m 3.7 m 4.3 m 3.85 m 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (Jan-Oct) Total Target Year