Ezra Basto

Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), a government corporation, was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009 on May 12, 2009, replacing the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA). TIEZA is mandated to continue the functions previously exercised by PTA under Presidential Declaration 564, unless otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of RA 9593. TIEZA acts as Department of Tourism's implementing arm in providing support infrastructures and facilitating investments in tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) nationwide. This is carried out through its main functions — infrastructure development; designation, regulation and supervision of TEZs; management of its existing assets or facilitation of their privatization; and administration of the collection of the Philippine Travel Tax. As the country's builder of tourism infrastructures, TIEZA brings development to areas with high cultural, historical, religious, heritage and/or eco-tourism values, helping shape a deep sense of awareness and pride for the Filipino's traditions, natural bounties and uniqueness as a race. Through the designation, regulation and supervision of TEZs nationwide, private stakeholders are lured to be shared-partners in tourism development. Their investments will indubitably help create jobs and economic activities for the local communities. The travel tax collection share of TIEZA fuels the priority tourism projects, activities and programs which is in sync with the Philippine Development Plan and the National Tourism Development Plan. The TIEZA operating properties have served clients from Luzon to Mindanao, bringing services from hotel management to recreation to specialized sports such as golf and scuba diving. TIEZA also developed partnerships with the private sector and with local governments in the management of some of its assets to empower them and their communities.