Section 12Sec./Art. 12

Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management. - The Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management shall have the following functions:

(a) Prepare a National Tourism Development Plan identifying geographic areas with potential tourism value and outlining approaches to developing such areas;

(b) Formulate policies and programs for global competitiveness and national tourism development, and approve local government tourism development plans;

(c) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies, plans and programs of the Department;

(d) Formulate an integrated marketing and promotions plan, identifying strategic market areas and niches;

(e) Formulate, in coordination with the TIEZA, other government agencies and LGUs exercising political jurisdiction over the area, development plans for TEZs and integrating such plans with other sector plans for the area;

(f) Conduct researches and studies, disseminate all relevant data on tourism, monitor and analyze the socioeconomic impact of tourism upon affected local communities and the nation to maximize the benefits of tourism throughout affected local communities and to avoid or mitigate possible negative impacts of the industry;

(g) Provide technical assistance to the LGUs and the TIEZA in the preparation of local tourism development plans to ensure adherence to national policies and programs;

(h) Coordinate with government agencies, LGUs, NGOs and other private entities for the development and implementation of the national tourism plans and policies and other relevant concerns;

(i) Source grants or loans from local and foreign funding institutions to implement tourism policies, plans and projects;

(i) Create and supervise management information systems for the entire Department;

(k) Formulate and coordinate the implementation of the Departments information system strategic plan; and

(l) Pursue the Departments interests in multilateral, international and regional tourism cooperation, agreements and treaties.