PHILIPPINE TOURISM,

CULTURE AND
GEOGRAPHY
TOURISM
•Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the movement of
people to countries or places outside their usual environment for personal or
business/professional purposes.

•Tourism is a composite of activities, services, and industries that deliver a travel experience:
transportation, accommodations, eating and drinking establishments, shops, entertainment,
activity facilities, and other hospitality services available for individuals or groups that are
travelling away from home. It encompasses all providers of visitor and visitor-related
services.
TOURISM
•Tourism is the entire world industry of travel, hotels, transportation, and all other
components that, including promotion, serve the needs and wants of travellers.

•Finally, tourism is the sum total of tourist expenditures within the borders of a nation or a
political subdivision or a transportation-centered economic area of contiguous states or
nations
 FOUR DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES

•The tourist. The tourist seeks various psychic and physical experiences and satisfactions. The
nature of these will largely determine the destinations chosen and the activities enjoyed.

•The businesses providing tourist goods and services. Businesspeople see tourism as an
opportunity to make a profit by supplying the goods and services that the tourist market demands.

•The government of the host community or area. Politicians view tourism as a wealth factor in the
economy of their jurisdictions. Their perspective is related to the incomes their citizens can earn from
this business.

•The host community. Local people usually see tourism as a cultural and employment factor
 FORMS OF TOURISM

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (1995) helps us

break down this definition further by stating tourists can be:

1. Domestic (residents of a given country travelling only

within that country)

- Domestic tourism is tourism involving residents of one country

travelling only within that country.

- Any person who travels to a place other than that of his or her
usual residence for less than 12 consecutive months and whose
main purpose is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated
from within the place. (Libosada, 2008)
 FORMS OF TOURISM

2. Inbound (non-residents travelling in a given country)

- means visits to a country by visitors who are not residents of that

country. 

3. Outbound (residents of one country travelling in another country)

 - means visits by residents of a country outside that country.

 Types of Domestic Tourist

Local Tourist

- Often classified as an excursionist

- A visitor who would travel within one province or locality

BURNHAM STRAWBERRY
PARK FARM
BAGUIO, LA TRINIDAD,
BENGUET BENGUET
 Types of Domestic Tourist

Interregional Tourist 

- This type of traveller moves from one of the regions to another.

- Comprises the largest portion of the Domestic Tourist Market

MANILA, BAGUIO
(NCR) (CAR)
 Types of Domestic Tourist

Intraregional Tourist

- Moves from one province to another within that region

- Tourist in this classification can contribute to the development of
Urban Centers within that Region

LA UNION

PANGASINAN

ILOCOS
NORTE
REGION 1
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

1. Ethnic tourism is when travellers

choose to experience first hand the
practices of another culture, and may
involve performances, presentations and
attractions portraying or presented by
small, often isolated Indigenous
communities..
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

2. Cultural Tourism is travel to experience and, in

some cases, participate in a vanishing lifestyle that
lies within human memory setting or “local color ” in
the destination area is the main attraction.
Destination activities typically include meals in rustic
inns, costume festivals, folk dance performances,
and arts and crafts demonstrations in “ old - style ”
fashion.

•According to United Nations World Tourism

Organization, Cultural Tourism is movements of
persons for essentially cultural motivations such as
study tours, performing arts and cultural tours,
travel to festivals and other cultural events, visits to
sites and monuments, travel to study nature,
folklore or art, and pilgrimages
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

3. Historical tourism is the museum and cathedral

tour that stresses the glories of the past
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

4. Environmental tourism is similar to ethnic

tourism, drawing tourists to remote areas. But
the emphasis here is on natural and
environmental attractions rather than ethnic
ones. Travel for the purposes of “ getting back
to nature ” and to appreciate (or become
sensitive to) people - land relationships falls in
this category
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

5. Recreational tourism centers on participation in

sports, curative spas, sunbathing, and social contacts
in a relaxed environment.
SIX CATEGORIES OF TOURISM

6. Business tourism as characterized by

conventions, meetings, and seminars is another
important form of travel. Business travel is
frequently combined with one or more of the
types of tourism already identified.
WHY DO PEOPLE TRAVEL

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Saint Augustine

Travel is an opportunity to read the world.  On each page, you might find a new, taste,
flavour, scent, vision or sound that will make your world a richer place. On each page,
you might meet new people, form new relationships, find and discover new languages.
Of course, you will enjoy some ‘pages’ more than others – but even the parts you don’t
enjoy at the time may have a profound effect on you later in life.
The list of potential travel motivations

• needs from excitement and arousal to self – development

• personal growth
• people provide powerful attractions for travel with the following:

Arts Agriculture
Music and Dance Education
Handicrafts Literature and Language
Industry and Business Science
Government History and Prehistory
Food and Drinks Religion
 BARRIERS TO TRAVEL
1. Cost. Consumers operate within monetary constraints, and travel
must compete with other allocations of funds. Saying that travel is
too expensive is an indirect way of saying that travel is not
important, but, even allowing this interpretation, costs are a
principal reason for staying home.

2. Lack of time. Many people cannot leave their businesses, jobs, or

professions for vacation purposes.

3. Health limitations. Poor health and physical limitations keep

many persons at home. Also the fear of contracting AIDS, severe
acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Norwalk fl u, bird flu,
Legionnaire ’ s disease, food poisoning, and so on keeps people
from traveling. For many, health has become a major tourism safety
issue.

4. Family stage. Parents of young children often do not travel

because of family obligations and inconveniences in traveling with
children. Widows and singles sometimes do not travel because of the
lack of a traveling companion.

5. Lack of interest. Unawareness of travel destinations that would

bring pleasurable satisfaction is a major barrier.

6. Fear and safety. Things unknown are often feared, and in travel,
much is often not familiar to the would - be traveler. Wars, unrest,
and negative publicity about an area will create doubt and fear in the
mind of the prospective traveler. Terrorism has reared its ugly head in
the last decade and is a deterrent to travel.
Historical Transformation of Tourism Industry in the Philippines

Tourism plays an important role in the Philippine economy. The country boasts

of rich natural beauty in its many spectacular beaches, sunny weather and rich
bio-diversity. More than that, the Philippines’ unique and complex culture, as
exemplified by its people, cuisine and lifestyle, attracts many people to visit the
country.
Pre-martial Law Era (years before 1972)

-As early as 1950s, Filipinos had already realized the potential of tourism industry as
an important element of the growth of Philippine economy.

- Tourist arrivals gradually increased as the country started recovering from the
impacts of World War II.
 Pre-martial Law Era (years before 1972)

Philippine Tourist and Travel Association (PTTA) 1950

VISION
Improving accessibility of travel destinations, making tourism products better and more
affordable, promoting a culture of tourism among local residents, and increasing recognition of
tourism as an effective and efficient tool towards socio-economic development of the
Philippines.

GOALS
To generate foreign currency and employment, to spread the benefits of tourism to a wider
segment of the population with the support, assistance and cooperation of both the private and
public sector, and to ensure the safe, convenient, enjoyable stay and travel of foreign and local
visitors in the country. This served as the precursor of the development of tourism industry in
the country.
 Pre-martial Law Era (years before 1972)

PTTA in 1952 through Republic Act No. 710

The national government realized the positive contribution of tourism to the economy
of the country so it institutionalized the PTTA in 1952 through Republic Act No. 710 to
bring together all organizations and entities that cater to travel and tourism.
 Pre-martial Law Era (years before 1972)

Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (BTTI) 1956

Through Republic Act No. 1478, the Board of Travel and Tourist Industry (BTTI) was
created by the Philippine Congress under the Department of Commerce and Industry
(DCI) to serve as the policy-making body for travel and tourism, while the PTTA
became its implementing arm.

-This period covers the early beginnings of the tourism industry in the Philippines. The
initiatives of the private sector was supported by the national government which led
to the gradual and modest increase in tourist arrivals from 51,000 in 1960 to 144,000
in 1971. Similarly, GDP increased in the said period.
 Pre-martial Law Era (years before 1972)

1956

-The major problem of the industry during this period was the lack of or
underdeveloped infrastructures to support tourism.
 Martial law era (1972-1986)

Martial law era (1972-1986)

A significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals can be noted beginning in 1972 until
1980. During this era, several initiatives were undertaken by the government to boost
the tourism industry in the country.

As part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of 1972 provided under Presidential

Decree No. 1, Department of Commerce and Industry (DCI) was reorganized that led
to the establishment of the Department of Trade and Tourism (DTT), which was
mandated to oversee the tourism industry in relation to the economic growth of the
country.
 Martial law era (1972-1986)

1973

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 189, Department of Tourism (DOT) was created
as an executive department of the national government that was responsible for the
regulation of the Philippine tourism industry and the promotion of the Philippines as a
tourist destination. Other government agencies established to further support the
country’s tourism industry were the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), which served
as implementing arm for infrastructure development of DOT, Philippine Convention
Bureau (PCB) which served as the marketing arm for conventions.

These government agencies together with the non-government organizations and

private sector worked hand in hand in the promotion of the Philippine tourism.
 Martial law era (1972-1986)

1983

Unfortunately, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., a strong political figure that time, was assassinated in 1983, which
led to instability of the peace and order situation of the country. Massive protests occurred and the country
was, generally, in chaos.

-This resulted to a noticeable decrease of foreign tourist arrivals from 1980 until the early part of 1986. To
address the ailing tourism industry due to political instability, DOT was reorganized structurally and
functionally with Executive Order No. 120 signed in January 30, 1986 just before the People Power (EDSA 1)
and the removal of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos from Malacanang.

-It was observed that during the first half of the martial law era, there was surge in foreign tourist arrivals
from 166,000 in 1972 to 1,008,000 in 1980. However, the political turmoil which resulted to increased street
protests and rebel activities in the latter half of the martial law years, eventually affected the tourism
industry, which pushed down the tourist arrivals from 1,008,000 in 1980 to 782,000 in 1986.
 Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

The reorganization of DOT as the primary government agency gave it the responsibility to encourage,
promote and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity in the country with the Philippine
Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) as its marketing arm. Fortunately, sustainable tourism was
espoused in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandated the protection and advancement of the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
 Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

1989

The foreign tourist arrivals picked up again starting 1989. However, electricity power supply crisis and the
coup d’etat of 1991 significantly affected foreign tourist arrivals for a while. However, in the same year, the
20-year Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) was formulated by the government as the blueprint for
tourism development. Proclamation 188 was issued mobilizing all government agencies and the private
sector to support and implement the TMP. It also allowed the DOT to create committees and task forces to
ensure the implementation of the programs identified in the plan.
 Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

1992

Meanwhile, in 1992, after the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, a Philippine Council for Sustainable
Development (PCSD) was created to primarily peruse and act on Global Agenda 21. In view of these
developments, there was an increasing trend again on foreign tourist’s arrival from 1992.
1997

The positive trend was short-lived, however, because the Asian Financial Crisis occurred in 1997.
This decrease even continued until the early part of the 21st century. During the latter part of the
post-martial law era, a joint memorandum (MC 98-02) was issued by DOT and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1998 which defined ecotourism in Philippine
context as “a low-impact, environmentally-sound and community participatory tourism activity in a
given natural environment that enhances the conservation of biophysical and cultural diversity,
promotes environmental understanding and education, and yields socio-economic benefits to the
concerned community”. The initiatives during 1992-1998 encouraged the development of
ecotourism as an integral part of the sustainable tourism framework in the country.
 Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

1992

Meanwhile, in 1992, after the Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, a Philippine Council for Sustainable
Development (PCSD) was created to primarily peruse and act on Global Agenda 21. In view of these
developments, there was an increasing trend again on foreign tourist’s arrival from 1992.
1997

The positive trend was short-lived, however, because the Asian Financial Crisis occurred in 1997.
This decrease even continued until the early part of the 21st century. During the latter part of the
post-martial law era, a joint memorandum (MC 98-02) was issued by DOT and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1998 which defined ecotourism in Philippine
context as “a low-impact, environmentally-sound and community participatory tourism activity in a
given natural environment that enhances the conservation of biophysical and cultural diversity,
promotes environmental understanding and education, and yields socio-economic benefits to the
concerned community”. The initiatives during 1992-1998 encouraged the development of
ecotourism as an integral part of the sustainable tourism framework in the country.
 Post-martial law era (1986-2000)

1999

These led to the issuance of Executive Order 111 in 1999 establishing the guidelines for ecotourism
development in the Philippines. The structured national policy and strategic guidelines on ecotourism
were formulated during the 1999 National Ecotourism Congress. This policy provided for the
“encouragement, development, management and promotion of the ecological tourism (ecotourism) as a
tool to sustainable development, to support the development, management, protection and conservation
of the country’s environment, natural resources and cultural heritage.”
 Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

The decrease in foreign tourist arrivals in the later part of the post-martial law era went on
until this period especially when another political instability was experienced in the early part
of the 21st century. In 2001 the government adopted tourism among its pillars for sustained
economic growth by attracting more visitors, extending their length of stay, and increasing the
attractiveness of the tourism products of the country National Ecotourism Strategy (NES,
2001).
 Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

National Ecotourism Strategy (NES)

The government through National Ecotourism Strategy (NES) identified the goals of
ecotourism as follows:

• to develop globally competitive ecotourism products,

• to develop responsible ecotourism market,
• to optimize community benefits and enhance the quality of visitor experience from
ecotourism.
 Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

• The 2001–2004 Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) contained

specific chapter on tourism and its contribution to the economy in order to achieve
national objectives which is centered on poverty alleviation, employment generation
and infrastructure strengthening.

•Moreover, the DOT together with the Philippine Convention & Visitors Corporation
(PCVC) spearheaded the Grassroots Entrepreneurs for Ecotourism (GREET) program
to encourage entrepreneurship and enhance livelihood opportunities in the
country’s ecotourism sites. Foreign tourists arrivals gain momentum from 2004 until
the global financial crises in 2008 to 2010.
 Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

2009

In 2009, the tourism industry was further revitalized by the passage of RA 9593 also
known as The Tourism Act of 2009 which is a declaration of the Philippine
government that tourism is an indispensable element of the national economy and
an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an
engine of socio-economic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment,
foreign exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of
national pride for all Filipinos.
 Twenty-first century era (2001-present)

To date, the tourism sector is considered priority sector able to drive efforts to encourage
inclusive socio-economic development, reduce poverty, promote gender equity and private
sector participation, and safeguard natural and cultural heritage. This is attuned to the targets
in the Millennium Development Goals of the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016, The
government is paying particular attention to tourism so it can successfully pursue its agenda of
inclusive growth given the multiplier effect on jobs and the amount of the money it brings into
the country. It is aggressive in its tourism marketing campaign such as the “It’s more fun in the
Philippines” which highlights the most important attractions in the country can offer. Aside
from its beautiful beaches and perfect weather, its people, the joyful disposition and love of life
makes every vacation in the Philippines an unforgettable experience. Its driving principle is
growth in economy to redound to better lives for people. The goal is not merely to maintain
growth but to cement the Philippine position as one of the vacation hotspots of the world.
Achievement in tourism initiatives can be seen in the significant increase in arrivals since 2010.
 Philippines Profile

Philippines, an archipelagic state in the Maritime

Southeast Asian region, is comprised of seven
thousand, six hundred and forty-one islands (7,641)
grouped into three major islands namely: Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao.

Among the three islands, Luzon is the largest and

holds the Philippines’ capital city, the city of Manila.
Mindanao is the second largest island and Davao
city is the largest city in the country in terms of land
area; Visayas is the smallest among the group
islands, boosting its White sand beach of Boracay,
and the first city build by the Spanish colonizers, the
Queen city of the south, Cebu City.
 Philippines Profile

•The Philippines is renowned because of its historical

background. For centuries, Philippines is already been active in
trading and in fact it is the trading center since pre-colonial
period.

• Philippines is also known for its struggle to freedom. It is a place

where many battles and political revolution takes place for
centuries. But right now it is the cultural meeting place for the
East and West Countries.

• The country is also known for its enchanting natural beauty

where tourist want see. Its world-class white sand beach resorts,
the best diving spots in the world, scenic wildlife attractions,
beautiful volcanoes and mountains and legendary astounding
architectural and historical structures are among the features of
our country that we are proud of.
 Philippines Profile
• Philippine has hundreds of attractive tourist destinations, making
the country as top travel destination for nature lovers,
honeymooners and adventure seekers from all around the world.

• Philippine is also known as the inexpensive tourist destination in

the world. Hotels, food and transportation are affordable and
inexpensive. Philippine is a paradise in that is found in the heart of
Southeast Asia.

• The country is known for having its rich biodiversity as its main
tourist attraction.

• Its beaches, heritage towns and monuments, mountains,

rainforests, islands and diving spots are among the country's most
popular tourist destinations.

• The country's rich historical and cultural heritage, including its

festivals and indigenous traditions, are also one of the attractions
of Philippines
Philippines Tourism Culture

The Philippines “Pearl of the Orient”, is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia with
Manila as its capital city. The Philippines is a country that contains a myriad of different amalgamated
cultures and influences. The superficial face of modern Filipino culture has many more influences
from the Western world than other nearby Asian cultures. Most of these influences are a product of
previous colonization and derived mainly from the cultures of Spain and the United States, with a
secondary influence from Latin American cultures who were under Spain during the same period the
Philippines was. Despite the visual Western and Hispanic influences, the older Asian aspects of
Filipino culture are still not lost. Within Asia, this Western-Eastern juxtaposition is most seen in the
Philippines, and continues to fascinate many a guest to the country.

The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic
traditions, with influences from America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family oriented and
often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music and food.
Philippines Tourism Culture

Filipinos are naturally hospitable. Guests can be

expected to extend a warm welcome to their guests
regardless of where they come from, how well they
know their host, and why they’re visiting someone’s
home.

Hosts typically provide their guests with food and

entertainment and, if there’s time, a tour around the
local destinations. 

Before they leave, guests are entreated to take

home pasalubong or souvenirs, which often come in
the form of delicacies and local sweets.
RELIGION

•The Philippines proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. More than
86% of the population is Roman Catholic, 6% belong to various nationalized
Christian cults, and another 2% belong to well over 100 Protestant denominations

•There is a vigorous 4% Muslim minority, concentrated on the southern islands of

Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan.

•2% follow non-Western, indigenous beliefs and practices

Foods

is composed of the cuisines of more than a hundred distinct ethno-linguistic groups found
throughout the Philippine archipelago. However, a majority of mainstream Filipino dishes that
compose Filipino cuisine are from the cuisines of the various ethnolinguistic groups and tribes of
the archipelago, including the Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Visayan
(Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Waray), Chavacano and Maranao ethno-linguistic groups
Relief

Philippines has an irregular

formation of an archipelagic
state. Its coastlines have
some 36,290 (22,550 miles)
with a great stretch of coastal
plains, mountain ranges,
mighty river systems, and
lakes. It is also composed of
volcanic rocks and corals in
general.
Soil

The alluvial plains and terraces of Luzon and Mindoro

have dark black cracking clays, as well as younger soils
that are especially suitable for rice cultivation. Much of
the land of the hilly and mountainous regions consists of
moist, fertile soils, often with a significant concentration
of volcanic ash, that support fruit trees and pineapples.
Oil palms, vegetables, and other crops are grown in the
peat like areas, as well as in the younger, sand-based
soils of the coastal plains, marshes, and lake regions.
The dark, organic, mineral-rich soils of the undulating
terrain of the Bicol Peninsula, much of the Visayas, and
the northwest tip of Luzon are used to grow coffee,
bananas, and other crops. Highly weathered, often red
or yellow soils are prominent in the central and southern
Philippines and are typically planted with cassava
(manioc) and sugarcane; these soils also support
forests for timber harvesting. The poor, precipitation-
leached soils of Palawan and the eastern mountains of
Luzon are largely covered with shrubs, bushes, and
other secondary growth that typically emerges in areas
that have been cleared of their original forest cover.
 Climate

The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and

maritime. It is characterized by relatively high
temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. It
is similar in many respects to the climate of the
countries of Central America. Temperature, humidity,
and rainfall, which are discussed hereunder, are the
most important elements of the country's weather
and climate.

Temperature

Based on the average of all weather stations in the

Philippines, excluding Baguio, the mean annual
temperature is 26.6C. The coolest months fall in
January with a mean temperature of 25.5C while
the warmest month occurs in May with a mean
temperature of 28.3C. Latitude is an insignificant
factor in the variation of temperature while altitude
shows greater contrast in temperature
 Rainfall

Rainfall is the most important climatic element in the

Philippines. Rainfall distribution throughout the country
varies from one region to another, depending upon the
direction of the moisture- bearing winds and the location of
the mountain systems.
 The mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from 965
to 4,064 millimeters annually. Baguio City, eastern Samar,
and eastern Surigao receive the greatest amount of rainfall
while the southern portion of Cotabato receives the least
amount of rain. At General Santos City in Cotabato, the
average annual rainfall is only 978 millimetres

Humidity

Humidity refers to the moisture content of the

atmosphere. Due to high temperature and the
surrounding bodies of water, the Philippines has a high
relative humidity. The average monthly relative humidity
varies between 71 percent in March and 85 percent in
September. The combination of warm temperature and
high relative and absolute humidifies give rise to high
sensible temperature throughout the archipelago. It is
especially uncomfortable during March to May, when
temperature and humidity attain their maximum levels.
Seasons

Using temperature and rainfall as bases, the climate of the country can be divided into two major seasons:
(1) the rainy season, from June to November; and
(2) the dry season, from December to May. The dry season may be subdivided further into:
(a) the cool dry season, from December to February; and
(b) the hot dry season, from March to May.
Plant and Animal Life

The Philippines supports a rich and varied flora with close botanical connections to Indonesia and
mainland Southeast Asia. Forests cover almost one-half of the land area and are typically tropical,
with the dominant family, Dipterocarpaceae, representing 75% of the stands. The forest also has
vines, epiphytes, and climbers. Open grasslands, ranging up to 2.4 m (8 ft) in height, occupy one-
fourth of the land area; they are man- made, the aftermath of the slash-and-burn agricultural system,
and most contain tropical savanna grasses that are nonnutritious and difficult to eradicate. The
diverse flora includes 8,000 species of flowering plants, 1,000 kinds of ferns, and 800 species of
orchids.