Tourism and Hospitality Organizations

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY ORGANIZATIONS

Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Industry

  • The tourism industry is characterized by its diversity, comprising various segments that require effective communication and collaboration.
  • This necessity has led to the formation of several public and private organizations at multiple levels: international, national, state, and local.
  • Various tourism organizations play pivotal roles in the industry, influencing and contributing to the overall functionality of tourism.

Objectives of the Study

  • Identification and Classification: Identify and classify different local and international tourism and hospitality organizations.
  • Function Discussion: Discuss each organization's role within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
  • Interorganizational Relationships: Discuss the interrelationships among tourism and hospitality organizations.

Classification of Tourism Organizations

  • Types of Organizations: Organizations can be classified into three categories:
    • International
    • Regional
    • National

International Organizations

  • Include organizations like UNWTO, ICAO, IATA, WTTC, and various development organizations.
UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization)
  • Comprises 156 member countries with its headquarters in Madrid, Spain.
  • The Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai from Jordan, heads the Secretariat.
  • Functions include:
    • Serving as an intergovernmental technical body addressing all tourism aspects.
    • Conducting market research and providing significant statistics on tourism.
  • Provides a global forum for tourism officials to discuss challenges and share ideas.
  • Engages in activities that cover all tourism sectors globally.
  • Significant events include:
    • Intra-governmental Coordination Conference on visas and air connectivity held on November 08, 2012.
    • Support Initiative for the Philippines launched on November 12, 2013.
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
  • Establishes international standards and recommends practices for the regulation of air navigation.
  • Encourages enhancements in aircraft design and operations for peaceful uses.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
  • Promotes safe, regular, and economical air transport.
  • Aims to accelerate air commerce and address industry-related challenges.
  • Engages in standardizing travel-related documentation including tickets, airway bills, and baggage checks.
WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council)
  • The only global forum composed of top executives in the travel and tourism industry, including CEOs, presidents, and chairpersons of major tourism-related enterprises.
  • Membership comprises 150 leaders from airlines, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel agencies, and technology suppliers.
  • Acts as a representative body for the private sector across the industry.
  • Focused on three strategic priorities:
    • Freedom to Travel
    • Policies for Growth
    • Tourism for Tomorrow
  • Operates with a professional staff in London, led by President & CEO David Scowsill, and is governed by a board of executive directors.
  • It is structured as a not-for-profit organization registered in the UK.
Development Organizations
  • Include organizations like:
    • World Bank (USA)
    • OPEC Fund for International Development (Austria)
    • Asian Development Bank (Philippines)
    • Islamic Development Bank (Saudi Arabia)

Regional Organizations

  • Key regional organizations include OECD, PATA, CTA, APEC, and OAS.
OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)
  • Focuses on achieving sustainable economic growth, increasing employment, and improving living standards among member countries.
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association)
  • Aims to develop, promote, and facilitate travel within the Pacific region.
  • Recognizes the importance of environmental ethics in tourism.
  • Created the PATA Code for Environmental Tourism.
CTA (Caribbean Tourism Association/Organization)
  • Supports the growth and development of tourism throughout the Caribbean region.
APEC (Asia–Pacific Economic Cooperation)
  • Works towards coordinating national economies for the benefit of Asia-Pacific countries.
  • Maintains a permanent Secretariat in Singapore to manage coordination and documentation.
OAS (Organization of American States)
  • Strengthens relationships among American states and provides training and advisory services in multiple fields, including tourism.

National Organizations (Philippines)

  • Notable national organizations include:
    • DOT (Department of Tourism)
    • Main government body responsible for developing tourism policies, plans, and projects to enhance socio-economic growth through tourism.
    • Aims to distribute tourism benefits to a broader population and ensure a safe, convenient, and enjoyable experience for all tourists.
    • TPB (Tourism Promotions Board)
    • Once known as PCVC (Philippine Convention and Visitor’s Corporation).
    • Responsible for domestic and international marketing programs and tourism investments in the Philippines.
    • IA (Intramuros Administration)
    • Fund and support cultural activities and festivals in the historic district of Intramuros.
    • Offers grants and donations for the restoration and maintenance of heritage buildings.
    • NPDC (National Parks Development Committee)
    • Focused on developing new parks, maintaining facilities, and encouraging private sector involvement in park activities.
    • TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority)
    • Formerly called PTA (Philippine Tourism Authority).
    • Oversees tourism infrastructure projects aiming to promote investments in Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs).

Other Philippine Tourism Organizations

  • Professional tourism organizations and additional agencies such as:
    • PTAA (Philippine Travel Agencies Association)
    • HRAP (Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines)
    • TESCU (Tourism Educators of Schools, Colleges, and Universities)
    • COHREP (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines)
    • AARMEI (Association of Administrator in Hospitality, Hotel, and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions)
    • TIBFI (Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc.)
    • PHILTOA (Philippine Tour Operators Association)

National Professional Tourism Organizations

  • Various professional organizations, such as:
    • USTDC (United States Travel Data Center)
    • TIAA (Travel Industry Association of America)
    • TTRA (Travel and Tourism Research Association)
    • ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents)
    • UFTAA (Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association)
    • WAPTT (World Association for Professional Training in Tourism)
    • CHRIE (Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education)
    • ATME (Association of Travel Marketing Executives)
    • SOTTE (Society of Travel and Tourism Education)

Conclusion

  • The outlined organizations and their functions underscore the extensive collaboration needed in the tourism and hospitality industry.
  • Both international and national organizations play critical roles in shaping policies, promoting tourism, and facilitating the education of tourism professionals.