CHAPTER 9

NATIONAL TOURISM

OBJECTIVES:

 Know the various national and regional tourism organization

 Understand the role of the various relational and regional tourism organizations
 Learn as to how the national and regional tourism organizations contribute to tourism industry
 Learn as to how the national and regional tourism organizations contribute to hospitality industry
 Know the national and regional locations of various organizations in tourism

Role of National Tourism Organization

For instance , in its marketing role , a tourism organization promotes the industry. As a regulator,
however, its role may include restricting or even in developed countries, the general roles of government
and the extent of its involvement vary considerably.

Tourism Services and Regional Offices Sector

The Tourism Services and Regional Office Sector is tasked to ensure the pleasant entry, stay, and
exit of tourists. It formulates standards of quantity and efficiency for tourism-oriented establishments,
among others, done through an accreditation system. Tourist establishments’ compliance to policies are
monitored to make sure their facilities and services are operated and maintained according to acceptable
international norms. The Sector also supervises DOT’s regional operations established to implement the
policies, plans, programs, and regulations of the Department and to maintain the delivery of efficient and
effective frontline services for the tourism industry.

The Department of Tourism (DOT)

The 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.

Functions of DOT

 Office of the secretary

 Tourism promotions sector
 Tourism services and regional offices sector
 Planning, product development and coordination
Internal services sector

The Department of tourism (DOT)

Offices Across the Nation

National Capital Region (NCR)

Cordillera Admin Region (CAR)

Regional Office I

Regional Office II

Regional Office III

Regional Office IV

Regional Office V

Regional Office VI

Regional Office VII

Regional Office VIII

Regional Office IX

Regional Office X

Regional Office XI

Regional Office XII

Regional Office XIII

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA)

 An organization born out of a union of the national associations of outbound travel agencies and
inbound tour operators in 1979.
 It was founded to foster unity in the travel industry and to promote the welfare of its members and
the travelling public.
A strong force that plays a vital role both in the national and international scenes.

 General membership
 The board trustees
 Committees
 The secretariat

General Membership

 Composed of regular, allied, associate, affiliate and allied international members admitted to the
membership by the board of trustees.

Board of Trustees

 Serves as the governing body of the association and is composed of eleven (11) trustees, duly
elected by the regular members of the association during elections held within any working day in
November. The immediate past president sits on the board as an ex-officio.

The Committees

The board of trustees has ten (10) working committees grouped under the office of the president,
the executive vice president, the vice president for outbound and vice president for inbound. These groups
and committees are so organized to assist in the formulation and implementation of policies, plans and
programs.

The Secretariat

Institutional in 1985, is considered the nerve center of all association affairs. It is administrative,
information and service center of the whole association.

Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP)

HRAP concerns itself with all issues affecting the hotel and restaurant industry of the Philippines
including but not limited to environment, government liaison, ethics, health, legislation, program,
technology, finance and education. We have worked and partnered with the Department of Tourism and
other government agencies as well as non-government organizations.

Our mission is to take the lead roles as the single voice organization representing the Philippine
private business sector in the hotel and restaurant industry.

1. To undertake programs and projects that will upgrade and professionalize the hotel and restaurant
industry in the Philippines
2. To promote unity and cooperation among those in the industry and other entities engaged in
tourism, in order to protect the interest and welfare of the industry
 3. To encourage and foster high ethical standards in business resulting in fair and honest competition
4. To provide industry representation in matters of government regulatory policies/laws/rules affecting
the industry
5. To exercise dynamic leadership in promoting goodwill, understanding, fellowship within the
hospitality industry both national and international

UFTE (Union of Filipino Tourism Educators)

Vision

To have an increasing pool of trained academicians and professionals in Travel and Tourism who
understand the close interrelationship among all segments of tourism industry.

Mission

1. To promote closer working relationship between educators and industry;

2. To unite all schools, colleges and universities with universities with tourism programs with the end
in view of training and developing students for a productive and meaningful career in tourism;
3. To sponsor lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences in various field of tourism;
4. To increase professional knowledge through interaction with all levels of travel and tourism
educators;
5. To work with colleagues to advance the image and understanding of travel and tourism educators
within the industry and the academic world.

Women in Travel Philippines

“Scary”, although often used by many people, is not a word I would ever use to describe solo
travel. Just like doing work activities that used to be considered “ A Guy Thing” , traveling solo is liberating
and empowering for women. It is not an experience that should be tried “at least” once- just like working
out, shopping, or family vacations, solo travel deserves to be a regular activity. It is a good for a women’s
mental and emotional well-being.

In the Philippines, essentially anywhere that is safe for everybody is safe for women traveling
solo.It is just a matter of traveling smart and taking precautions-not just for women but for every solo
traveller.

National Tourism

The growth of tourism over the years has established its importance to the economy of a country. It
is not surprising then most countries have developed their own NTO. It is also conveniently interchanged
with National Tourism Agency (NTA) . The technical difference between NTO is usually dominated by the
private sector.
Global and various international tourism organizations and its role

National Tourist Organizations (NTO)

Is the body responsible for one formulation and implementation of national tourist policy. It is the
proper agency and instrument for the execution of the national government’s responsibilities for the control,
direction and promotion of tourism.

Functions of NTO:

1. The objectives of a national tourist organization are to ensure that the maximum possible value
from international tourism accrues to the country for its economic and social benefit.
2. At the Estoril seminar in 1966 ( in England), it was agreed that the NTO would normally undertake
the following functions:
(I) research;
(II) information and promotion within the country;
(III) regularization of standards of lodging and restaurants, control of activities of private travel
agencies;
(IV) publicity overseas;
(V) technical and juridical problems;
(VI) international relations;
(VII) development of select areas; and
(VIII) over all tourism policy and promotion.
3. NTO should be responsible for the maintenance of appropriate standards of quality and service of
the travel agents. Travel agents should be regarded as having to professional’s status and this
could best be brought about by introducing appropriate legislation of the NTO. One of the most
important activities of any national tourist office is promotion of the country as a destination for
tourists.
4. Among other activities, promotion includes advertising, publicity of all kinds, public relations, the
provision of information and the distribution of printed sales material. Planned publicity and
promotion on behalf of the country are among the basic functions common to all NTOs.
 CHAPTER 10
SECURITY AND SAFETY IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

OBJECTIVES:
 Attain knowledge on security and safety and travel
 Learn some of the helpful tips in avoiding risks and danger
 Know the security and safety measures implemented by airports, seaports, and land transportation
terminals
 Know the various agency that may be contacted on issues as regard to security and safety
 Learn to be take the precautionary measures necessary when traveling

Safety and Security in Tourism

Terminal Securities

1. Perimeter protection: fencing with sound system to accurately detect intrusions

2. Perimeter CCTV and mobile indoor camera support.
3. Early detection systems: surface radars and buried unattended sensors
4. Access control using cards and other biometric mechanisms
5. Fire detection systems
6. Frequency inhibitors
7. Video analysis ( abandoned objects and suspicious behaviour)
8. Systems for communicating with passengers and staff within the facilities and airport areas

Airport Security Screening

Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with the
intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Additional security measures
are in place from the time you get to the airport until you get to your destination.

Carry-on Baggage Screening in Standard Lanes

TSA screens approximately 4.9 million carry –on bags for explosives and other dangerous
items daily. Here’s what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security and screening
next time you fly.
Checked Baggage Screening

TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags for explosives and other items daily.
Upon check in, your checked baggage will be provided to TSA for security screening. Once the
screening process has completed, your airline will transport your checked baggage on your
respective flight as well as deliver it to the baggage claim area.

Pat Down Screening

Pat-down procedures are used to determine whether prohibited items or other threats to
transportation security are concealed on the person. You may be required to undergo a pat-down
procedure if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for
enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other types of screening.

Secure Flight

Secure Flight is a risk- based passenger pre-screening program that enhances security by
identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names
against trusted traveller lists and watch lists. To protect privacy, the Secure Flight program collects
the minimum amount of personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and gender,
necessary to conduct effective matching. Read the Privacy Impact Assessment and the System of
Record Notice for information about the program’s rigorous privacy protections. Personal data
collected, used, distributed, stored and disposed of according to stringent guidelines.

Airport Safety

1. When going through airport security, place your bags on the belt only as you are ready to
walk through the magnetometer, not while you are still in a line.
2. Thieves are known to work in pairs. One thief stalls in front of you in line close while the
other removes your items from the other side of the machine
3. Keep your luggage in sight and close by at any public, especially at airports.
4. Thieves commonly switch bags at transportation and hotel counters. To help prevent this,
mark your bag with a ribbon or tape.
5. Unattended luggage may be removed and/or destroyed by security staff. If this happens,
you will not be compensated.
6. Do not approach or remain near someone else’s unattended baggage.
7. Do not agree to guard a stranger’s luggage
8. Upon arrival be present when your luggage is delivered to the baggage area; verify your
baggage claim checks and quickly inspect your luggage to ensure that it was not
tampered with:
9. If you must set down your suitcases or bags, place them against a wall or counter and
maintain contact with them.
10. Watch your luggage being stowed aboard your taxi or van at the airport and hotel if
possible, take your carry-on inside the vehicle

Food Safety for Tourism

1. Make sure you have an idea as to which food will produce which illness.
2. Take the time to know what are the major food problems and potential crises for your
area.
3. Make sure that you know who is working in your kitchen and what their state of health
is.
4. The safety of your food is directly dependent on the health (both mental and physical)
of those preparing the food that is served.
5. Sensitize staff to food allergies. Not only can food be contaminated either through
illnesses or via a malevolent act, but there is a growing number of people who suffer
from food allergies or have special dietary needs
6. Make sure that trash is deposited in a way that does not harm the environment. Food
safety is not only about the quality of what is served and how its served, but also about
disposal methods for non-used foods.
7. Caterers should come under the same scrutiny as hotels and restaurant.

National Tourism Safety and Security Plan

A National Tourism Safety and Security Plan is a logical consequence of the

development of a national policy on this subject. Such a plan should address tourism
following main areas:

1. Identification of potential tourist risks according to types of travel, affected tourism

sector, and locations.
2. Detection and Prevention of offences against tourists.
3. Protection of tourist and residents from illicit drug
4. Protection of tourist sites and facilities against in lawful interference.
5. Establishments of guidelines for operators of tourist facilities in the event of
unlawful interference
6. Responsibilities for dealing with the press and other media, at home and abroad.
 16 Personality Safety Tips
1. Pick pockets prefer to choose easy victims.

If you look like you’re paying attention and don’t have any valuables on show, it less likely that you will be
picking pocketed.

2. Pick pockets and scam merchant often work in groups.

This confuses people-one person (or a group of people) would cause a distraction while another takes
your valuables.

3. Only carry around as much money as you need for that day

Leave valuables that you aren’t going to us on the day in the hotel safe.

4. Do not carry around haversack on your back

Be especially aware of this on the metro. Pickpockets have been known to steal from haversacks on
people’s back when on the metro. If you have a haversack, wear it the other way around with the bag in
front of you.

5. Do not have a camera slung around your neck.

Or any other expensive items like video cams. Keep any valuable out of sight if you have a camera put
it in your inside jacket pocket.

6. If you need to look up anything on a map, go into a café and sit down rather than look up your
destination in the streets.

This is like advertising that you are new to the area and a tourist and that exactly what pickpockets are
looking for.

7. In cafes and restaurants pay attention to your bags/purses and wallets.

This may seem obvious but when you’re on holiday it’s easy to “switch off” and not pay attention to
where your belongings are.

8. Watch out for distraction/theft scams.

This starts with a distraction e.g. someone asks for directions, drop money in front of you, ask you to
make donation and variation on these distractions.
 9. Pay particular attention at stations
10. Be aware of the people around you and pay attention to what they are doing
Pick pockets are often looking at one thing—tourist and tourists’ bags—they are not interested in
anything else around them. Except maybe the police so if you keep your eyes open, you will
become more aware to keep your guard up.
11. Take out a travel insurance policy
Make sure that you meet the terms of the policy before you leave. Some policies require
that you can prove your belongings are worth what you say they are worth.
12. Keep your passport safe.
Spanish law requires that you have photographic identification with you at all times
although a photocopy of your passport is often seen as sufficient.
13. Do not be folded by fake policeman or "undercover" police.
This is now becoming an all too common scam. Several people are involved in this scam.
They say they are undercover police and they have seen someone come up to you earlier who
they have been following.
14. Emulate the dress code of the local residents.
You will be seen as a savvy tourist and also much less likely to stand out from the crowd.
You will also have excellent excuse to buy some new clothing.
15. Avoid walking in the dark isolated back streets, especially if you are alone.
16. When on the beach, do not leave your belongings.
If you're going to do some sunbathing etc., be sure to leave any valuables locked up in the
hotel safe.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE ATTACKED/ HIJACKED

1. Try to remain calm, and do not panic.

2. Think quickly because your mind will be your first defence.
3. Evaluate the situation, look around and see if there is someone, and see if you can run and make
as much noise as possible.
4. Do not resist when being attacked unless you are able to escape.
5. Be prepared to let your bag/package go if someone tries to snatch it. Bags and packages can be
replaced but your life can not.
6. Cooperate and try to stall your attacker until help arrives.
7. If you are unable to escape, make sure that you concentrate on your attacker’s identity and try to
notice eyes, age, height, color, face, scars, tattoos, limps, clothes, speech accents and patterns
8. Try to leave your finger prints wherever you can, also leave small personal items behind, such as
an earring, lip stick, scuff link- anything that can be traced back to you.
9. Report the attack as soon as possible.
SAFETY ON THE BEACH

1. Never swim alone.

2. Swim only at designated bathing patrolled by lifeguard.
3. Do not swim when drunk.
4. Do not leave your belongings unattended.
5. Place your lifter in the bins provided and leave the beach as you would like to find it — clean.
6. Do not walk alone on an isolated beach.

SAFETY AT THE HOTEL

1. Never leave your luggage unattended.

2. Store your valuables in the hotel safety deposit box.
3. Lock your room at all times, whether you are in the hotel or out.
4. If someone knocks, check who it is 44-7 ' before opening.
5. Hand the keys in at the desk when you leave the hotel.
6. Be observant when entering parking areas.
7. Carry your passport and/or travel documents only if you have to, alternatively carry certified copies.

SAFETY IN THE CAR

1. Buy a map and plan your route in advance.
2. Do not leave any items on the seat, place them in the boot.
3. Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
4. Wind your windows up or leave a light gap.
5. You should observe suspicious persons at a red traffic light at night; it would be acceptable to
proceed carefully, provided there are no other vehicles.
6. Do not stop and rest on deserted roads.
7. Distances between towns are considerable. Make sure that you do not run out of gas.
8. Do not stop at accidents or obstacles in the road- rather call the police.
9. When someone bumps your car from behind under suspicious circumstances do not stop.

The Department of National Defense

The Department of National Defense (DND; Filipino: Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa, KTP)
is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for guarding against external and
internal threats to peace and security in the country. The Department of National Defense exercises
executive supervision over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD),
the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), 'the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP),
and the Government Arsenal (GA). It is also responsible for disaster preparation and management in the
country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (Filipino: Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, Spanish:
Fuerzas Armadas de Filipinas) are the military of the forces Army, of the Philippines. It consists of the
Navy (including the Marine Corps) and the Air Force. The President of the Philippines is the Commander-in
Chief of AFP and forms military policy with the Department of National Defense, an executive department
acting as the principal organs by which military policy is carried out. A previous attached branch is the
defunct Philippine Constabulary, while the Philippine Coast Guard is a warm time attached service. Military
service is entirely voluntary.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD; Filipino: Tanggapan ng Tånggulang Sibil, TTS) is an
organization within the Philippines's Department of National Defense (DND) and serves as the
implementing arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). As such,
it has the primary mission of administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk
reduction and management program by providing leadership in the continuous development of strategic
and systematic approaches as well as measures to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and
manage the consequences of disasters.

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) (Filipino: Tanggapan para sa Kapakanan ng mga
Beteranong Pilipino) is the agency of the Philippine government under the Department of National Defense
thru which a grateful nation pays its debt of gratitude to her defenders -- the Filipino Veterans. PVAO
serves to fulfill a national commitment as embodied in Section 7, Article XVI of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution:
"The State shall provide immediate and adequate care, benefits and other forms of assistance to
war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans. Funds shall be
provided therefor and due consideration shall be given them in the disposition of agricultural lands of the
public domain and, in appropriate cases, in the utilization of natural resources."

National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)

The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) (Filipino: Dalubhasaan ng Tanggulang
Pambansa ng Pilipinas) is an educational, training, and research agency of the Philippine government
located inside Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Metro Manila. It is responsible for providing
continued and intensive studies of the diverse problems relating to national defense and security. It is under
the Department of National Defense.

Government Arsenal (GA)

The Government Arsenal (GA) is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of
National Defense, responsible for the production of basic weaponry and ammunition for the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among others, and for the sale and
export of products in excess of AFP/PNP requirements.
Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372)
The Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372) is a Philippine law that took effect on February 8,
2007. This law is one of the most primary anti-terrorism laws that bring the Philippines in line with its
Southeast Asian neighbors battling Islamist militants. It is aimed at tackling militants in the southern
Philippines.
The law defines terrorism a crime by describing, "causes widespread and extraordinary fear and
panic among the populace" and allows authorities to arrest terror suspects without warrants and temporarily
detain them without charges. Under the law, detained terrorists are entitled to see a lawyer, a priest, a
doctor, or family members.

National Security Strategy 2018

To ensure the sustained and focused implementation of our country’s. National Security Policy
2()17-2022 (NSP 2017-2()22) through No. dated April, 2017. The Office of the President published and
distributed to all government instrumentalities its National Security Strategy 2018 (NSS 2018),
NSS 2018 is the Philippines' first such official publication and implements the NSP 2017-2022's
overarching principle that national security and economic development are closely intertwined and mutually
reinforcing concepts. As in NSP 2017-2022, NSS 2018 has the broad theme of bringing about meaningful
and lasting socio-economic and political change aimed at building a stronger nation and improving the lives
of the Filipino people.
NSS 2018 integrates the state's major security policies, goals, responsibilities, and courses of
action into a roadmap for the fulfilment of the national security vision. It seeks to foster better coordination,
synchronization and cohesion of government functions in order to improve efficiency and maximize the use
of limited State resources.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime
On 2 June 2017, a gunman set fire to a casino in Pasay, Manila. About 38 people were killed,
including the gunman. The Philippine authorities have identified this as a criminal act.
There's a high level Of violent crime, including gun crime. Although British nationals are not
normally targeted, they have been caught up in some incidents.
Criminal gangs sometimes use terrorist tactics like kidnapping. Explosions attributed to criminal
organizations have caused fatalities.
There is a high incidence of street crime and robbery. You should take sensible precautions.
Arrange to be met at the airport, or use a hotel transfer service or an official airport taxi where they exist.
Only use taxis from a reputable company. Some taxi drivers and their accomplices have robbed and
harmed passengers. Avoid displaying cash or jewelry. Beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery.
They may be spiked.
Be particularly vigilant when travelling on public transport. Armed hold-ups have occurred on
'jeepneys' and buses, mainly in larger cities like Metro Manila and Cebu. In some cases, these have
resulted in fatalities.
Local Travel
Seek advice from local contacts and always leave travel plans with friend’s colleagues or relatives.
Safety standards on taxis, buses and boats can be low.
You should take particular care during the rainy season when flash floods and landslides can
occur.

Air Travel
A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.
The FCO can't offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air
Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a
number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the
absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.
With effect from June 2015, all Philippine airlines are allowed to operate in European airspace.

Sea Travel
There is a high level of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Philippine waters.
Commercial shipping companies have been advised to adopt a heightened vigilance when
navigating the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Most maritime incidents occur in the Sulu Sea in the area between
Mindanao, the Sulu archipelago, Palawan and Sabah (Malaysia).
The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in
Asia (ReCAAP) advises all ships to re-route from the area where possible.
Avoid travel on ferries and passenger boats, if possible.. They are often overloaded, lack
necessary lifesaving equipment, are not adequately maintained and have incomplete passenger manifests.
Storms can develop quickly:
There are frequent accidents involving ferries and other forms of sea transport, resulting in loss of
life. Two large ferries sank in 2013 causing a substantial number of casualties and injuries. Another incident
in July 2015 in the Visayas led to over 60 deaths when a boat overturned in strong waves.
Maritime rescue services in the Philippines may be limited.

Political Situation
Keep up-to-date with local and international developments, and avoid demonstrations or large
gatherings of people. The Philippines' Bureau Of Immigration has specifically warned foreign nationals
against participating in Public protests and political rallies. Foreign nationals who participate in these
activities may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws.
TYPES OF TOURISM-RELATED INCIDENTS
Perhaps the most fundamental' matter to consider in securing the tourism industry from end to end,
in a holistic manner, is to identify the major types of security incidents that have varying degrees of
negative impact on the five A's, on the tourists themselves, and on the tourism industry. These are crime-
related incidents, terrorism, war, and civil-political unrest.
The fondness of our politicians and media to use the word "war" in fighting crimes, insurgency,
rebellion, drug addiction, and even poverty is not helping our tourism marketing efforts at all. We are a
country perceived to be at war. Real wars that have impact on tourism are cross-border wars, trans-border
wars, attrition wars, and civil wars. The Philippines faces none of these. But short of being classified as civil
war, political and civil unrest in the form of violent demonstrations, uprising, riots, and coup d' etat or mutiny
can subsequently cause global decline in tourist movements.
Terrorism could be domestic, international, or cross-border in form. Terrorism is more aimed at
targeting the economic dynamo of a country the tourism industry. Consider the past attacks of the terrorist
group Abu Sayyaf where they kidnapped foreign tourists in a deadly and gruesome manner. They went
cross-border by grabbing guests of a dive resort at Sipadan, Malaysia and bringing them to Philippine
territory.
Terrorism targets tourism because they aim to harm tourists—Westerners they consider as
enemies of their religious wars. Furthermore, tourist destinations are soft targets. Populated mostly by
foreigners (assumed as Americans and US allies), these are areas where any terror attack draws short-
lasting but high-impact media coverage. We have seen terror attacks at hotels and resorts in Morocco,
Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and India. What comes to mind when Bali, Indonesia is mentioned? Not the
beautiful beaches, but the bombings that killed hundreds of Westerners, mostly Australians.
However, crime-related incidents in the form of tourism-related security incident have a constant
and widespread scope of impact. These are the incidents that can happen-across all five A's. Crimes can
take various modes of operation and execution in different scenarios. A local victimizes a tourist, a tourist
against another tourist, a tourist against a local, or an organized crime group against a business enterprise.
Theft is the most common yet least publicized among crimes. Robbery, rape, physical injury,
homicide, piracy, and kidnapping are crimes that figure prominently not only in national and local
newspapers, but also in the Internet — online versions and blogs -though is that tourists would rather
charge to experience the crime incident that they were involved in rather than report them to the polices.

The Journey is End to End

How do we mitigate the impact of negative news on our tourism initiatives and marketing efforts?
Hard times call for hard decisions, which are, most of the time, knee-jerk reactions. Usually, one of the first
cost-cutting measures is to reduce security expense. Cost-efficient security measures usually have an
immediate effect on the investments on, and maintenance of, security and safety programs and systems.
The journey starts with the selection of the places to visit. The marketing effort is measured by how
many tourists choose to visit a particular place. For a country with no world-renowned landmark to
associate itself with, the Philippines attempts to grab the potential tourist from the point of decision making
by showcasing in various media our attractions and the activities and accommodation facilities we offer.
Such marketing efforts, however, considering the low advertising budget' are negated when tourism-related
security incidents are getting more global news airtime than the few seconds of the WOW Philippines
advertisement.
Arrival
Before tourists reach the Arrival area, they need to access airlines or travel operators for trip
details. The integrity of the booking process is one thing to consider at this age of scams, identity theft,
bogus websites, and organized crime groups. Though airlines and hotels can assure higher level of guests'
data protection, weak links like unscrupulous travel agents still exist. The sad part is, there seems to be no
active effort to monitor anomalous booking activities.
At the Arrival stage of the journey, things get physically real for the tourist setting foot on Philippine
soil. Investment in the Arrival areas should cover safety and security of budget air transports, sea vessels,
travel agencies, tour operations, and of course, land transportation such as buses, shuttle vans, taxis,
tricycles, etc.
Since we are prone to natural disasters and man-made calamities, there should be conscious,
active, and systemic efforts to ensure the worthiness of our land, sea, and air transports. In relation to this,
responding to emergencies is not solely the task of the government but of the private sector as well.
When asked about the emergency response trainings in relation to DOT Memo Circular 2006-09,
Secretary Joseph Durano said the DOT has partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on this
matter. However, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Alexander Yano, in an
interview, without directly denying such partnership with DOT, stressed that the AFP is going to respond to
any disaster situation (in the context of natural disasters and man-made calamities). The statements of the
DOT Secretary and AFP Chief show their conflicting takes on emergency response. Hence, the private
sector, as the prime stakeholders, must take a more active role in emergency preparedness and response.

Access
There are more safety and security challenges in the area of Access. Our provincial roads are not
well paved, poorly maintained, and littered with both trash and pedestrians. Aside from being narrow, our
roads were built for cars alone. There are no sidewalks for the public to use. The sight of pedestrians
walking along carriageways close to the passing vehicles is very common.
The Access areas are the spokes that connect Arrival, Accommodation, Attractions, and Activities
to each other. Access is the weakest link in the journey due to several factors — political, cultural, and
social. For example, during the summer fiesta season, temporary and makeshift roadblocks -set up by'
fundraising barangay groups pose road hazards. The absence of proper "road checkpoint" signage and
uniformed "collectors" presents a perfect ruse for roadside robberies. In addition, missing road directional
signs can lead to some tourism-related security concerns, too. During election season, tourists witness
campaign materials nailed, plastered, and littered everywhere. Not to mention the increased number of
murder cases attributed to the elections.
We see street children begging for food and money in the middle of our main public streets. We
also see street vendors plying their wares at intersections. We also see traffic policemen arresting
jaywalkers.
Accommodation
The strongest link is in the area of Accommodation where there is a semblance Of organized
safety and security effort. The Association of Hotel Security Officers in the Philippines or AHSOP,
organized in 1974, has the advantage of sharing real-time information on security issues and best
practices, and all the benefits of networked security officers.
However, membership to this security organization is somehow limited, participated only by 4- or 5-
star hotels in Makati, Ortigas, and the Manila Bay areas. The newly organized Cebu Chapter is inching its
way to more members in the province. On the other hand, PCCI is encouraging investments' on event and
breakfast ventures and other support businesses like convenience stores, laundry shops, decent cafeterias,
and even the growing number of hoteliers and culinary schools. These establishments should have the
security and safety mindset of the big hotels, which can afford their own dedicated security officers. They
should also have their own emergency preparedness program at hand should situations call for it.

Attractions and Activities

The jurisdiction of security officers (if there is one) in the Accommodation segment of the journey
does not cover the areas beyond their perimeter walls. This makes the area of Attraction attractive to
criminals. Our public beaches and shorelines are left to occasional security and safety care of local
volunteers, tanods, or local security guards (if there are). Our mountain ranges are deforested, and if not,
populated by insurgents or bandit groups. The mining industry, where revenues are not actually flowing in
to the country, is competing with eco and medical tourism initiatives in terms of real estate and the
environment itself. DOT Memo Circular 2006-09 does not cover retirement villages, medical tourism
centers, historical sites, festivals and events sites, and theme parks.
Most of the historical and natural attractions are within public domain or government administration.
Our historical sites are prone to vandalism not because they are under the care of public safety officials
(read: police) but due to lack of law enforcement and the temptation of the adjacent commercial
establishments.
New dimensions to consider under tourist attractions and activities are medical, ecological, and
agro-tourism programs. This means new forms of risks, threats, and vulnerabilities to different profiles of
tourists. Tourist safety should be paramount. It must be the foremost concern of the organizers of our tours,
sports and outdoor activities.