Have you ever been fascinated about traveling? Do you love working with different types of people?

Or
are you someone who enjoys learning more about various cultures? If your answer is yes, perhaps a
degree in tourism could be the right one for you!

With the booming state of tourism in the Philippines and abroad, this field can provide you with a very
promising career path in the future. But before you enroll in this course, here are some of the essential
things you need to know.

What is Bachelor of Science in Tourism?

The Bachelor of Science in Tourism (BS Tourism) is a 4-year multidisciplinary degree that trains students
in becoming leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and qualified personnel in the tourism industry. It
focuses on cultural aspects such as travel, language, and history. Another closely related program BS
Tourism Management, on the other hand, concentrates more on business consciousness,
entrepreneurship, and hospitality.

There is no required board examination for BS Tourism, though graduates are required to take and pass
the Civil Service Examination for government-related jobs.

Strands in Accountancy, Business, and Management under the Academic track as well as Home
Economics strands under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track are possible avenues that you can
take in case you want to venture into the tourism field.

What are the subjects included in BS Tourism?

It covers subjects on management, basic accounting and finance, planning and development, tourism
laws, as well as other facets of tourism. Here are some of the interesting areas that you will encounter in
this course based on the Commission on Higher Education:

Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography

Risk Management as Applied to Safety, Security, and Sanitation

Quality Service Management in Tourism and Hospitality

Macro Perspective of Tourism and Hospitality

Professional Development and Applied Ethics

Multicultural Diversity in Workplace for the Tourism Professional

Tourism and Hospitality Marketing

Micro Perspective of Tourism and Hospitality

Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Hospitality

What skills do I need to have to succeed in BS Tourism?

Good interpersonal and people skills are required to succeed in this course. A good sense of organization
and strong English proficiency could also be helpful as you enter this industry. Aside from these, here
are other skills that you might need:

Knowledge of community resources

Critical thinking

Research and planning

Good understanding of human relationships

Ability to work well under pressure

What are the career opportunities for graduates of BS Tourism?

Travel account manager

Department of Tourism staff

Tour Coordinator

Tourism Officer

Event Planner

Conference and Event Manager

Which schools in the Philippines offers BS Tourism?

While there are many schools in the country that offers this course, here are the schools that have a
Center of Excellence and Center of Development in Tourism.

Lyceum of the Philippines University

University of Santo Tomas

University of San Carlos

Are you ready to start your college adventure in a tourism course? Or do you want to learn more tips
and guides in choosing the right course for you? Visit Edukasyon.ph now!
About the Philippines

History & People

The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining
Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich
culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese. Spain's colonization brought about the
construction of Intramuros in 1571, a "Walled City" comprised of European buildings and churches,
replicated in different parts of the archipelago. In 1898, after 350 years and 300 rebellions, the Filipinos,
with leaders like Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo, succeeded in winning their independence.

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-
American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought
alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor
which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia. They then waged a guerilla war against the
Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence in 1946.

Filipinos are a freedom-loving people, having waged two peaceful, bloodless revolutions against what
were perceived as corrupt regimes. The Philippines is a vibrant democracy, as evidenced by 12 English
national newspapers, 7 national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and 2,000 radio
stations.

Filipinos are a fun-loving people. Throughout the islands, there are fiestas celebrated everyday and
foreign guests are always welcome to their homes.

Geography

The PHILIPPINES stands at the crossroads of the developed western world and the Orient. It lies in the
heart of Southeast Asia, stretching more than 1,840 kilometers. Composed of 7,107 islands, the
Philippines is readily accessible to the different capitals of the world. Its three main islands are Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao.

The South China Sea washes its western shores. Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are northern neighbors
and further north is Japan. To the west lie Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and
Thailand. An arm of the archipelago reaches out towards Borneo and at its feet stands the chain of
Indonesian islands. To the east and south, the waters of the Pacific Ocean sweep its headlands, looking
out towards Micronesia and Polynesia.
Its unique location has made the Philippines the commercial, cultural and intellectual hub of Asia from
the dawn of history.

Climate

November to February is the coolest months and a good time to visit the Philippines as far as weather is
concerned. Meanwhile, March to May is the summer months in the country and are classified as hot and
dry. June to October is rainy, with the months between July and September characterized by typhoons.

The average temperature in the Philippines is 86degreesF / 30degreesC; average humidity is 77%. Some
parts of the country such as Cebu and its neighboring provinces in the Visayas are warm and
comfortable in all seasons and can be visited throughout the year.

Travel Formalities

VISA

Tourists can visit the Philippines without a visa if staying in the country for 21 days or less; provided
tourists have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket or a ticket to another
destination outside the Philippines. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either
before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy. Or, once in the country, you may obtain it from
the Bureau of Immigrations.

CUSTOMS

Upon arriving; Visitors are allowed to bring in duty free personal belongings, two cartons of cigarettes or
two tins of pipe tobacco and up to one liter of alcohol. “Balikbayans” have separate rules and should
check with the Embassy or Consulate in their home city.

You may bring in unlimited amount of foreign currency. Upon Departure; any antiques you may have
acquired during your stay must be accompanied by a certificate from the National Museum. You may
not take more than PhP5,000.00 (five thousand Philippine pesos) out of the country.

CURRENCY

The currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PHP) and the Centavo. 100 centavos = P1. Coin
denominations are: 1, 5, 10, and 25 centavos, P1, and P5. Bill denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and
1, 000 Pesos.
Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks
and authorized money changing outlets. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are
strictly enforced.

Most large stores, restaurants, hotels and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express,
Visa and Master Card. Traveler' s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large
department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.

TRAVEL TAX AND AIRPORT FEES

Philippine Nationals are expected to pay for the Philippine Travel Tax upon departure from the
Philippines. It is usually paid at the airport upon departure or; oftentimes, already included in the cost of
the ticket when purchased. US Nationals and Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders) are exempt
from the Philippine Travel Tax. US Permanent Residents need to secure a Travel Tax Exemption
Certificate from the Philippine Tourism Authority at the Department of Tourism Building at TM Kalaw
Street, Ermita Manila. The Philippine Travel Tax is PHP1,620.00 (approximately $35.00).

All passengers departing from the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) are expected to pay the
Airport Terminal Fee of PHP750.00 (approximately $17.00). No one is exempt from paying the Airport
Terminal Fee.

Accessibility

BY AIR

Manila, Cebu, Davao, Clark, Subic, and Laoag are the international gateways, with the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) in Manila as the premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines,
which fly to different cities around the world. The Mactan International Airport (MIA) in Cebu handles
regular flights from Japan, Singapore, and Australia as well as chartered flights from Hong Kong, the
United States, and other major travel capitals. Davao International Airport handles regular flights from
Indonesia and Singapore. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and Subic Airfield in Central
Luzon service both chartered and cargo planes. Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services
regular flights from Taiwan and Macau. Website: www.philippineairlines.com

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier and considered “Asia’s First Airline,” remains the
country’s biggest airline company. It has the largest number of international flights to the Philippines as
well as domestic flights. PAL links Manila to 14 cities in 8 countries, and flies regularly to 41 domestic
destinations outside Manila.
Cebu Pacific Air (5J), the low fare leader in the Philippines, is the country's leading domestic airline with
the lowest year-round fares, most number of destinations, most number of routes, most number of
flights, most number of passengers flown in its domestic network and newest fleet of brand new Airbus
A320s, Airbus A319s and ATR 72-100s. It links Manila to 21 domestic destinations and the Philippines to
12 international destinations with its direct flights. It also makes its international and domestic
destinations virtually accessible to each other through its extensive connecting flight network. The
airline currently operates hubs in Manila, Cebu, Davao and soon, in Clark. Website:
www.cebupacificair.com

Other airlines that presently fly the Philippine skies are Air Philippines, South East Asian Airlines, Laoag
International Airlines, Zest Air (formerly Asian Spirit Airlines), and Pacific Airways – each serving popular
tourist destinations at pocket-easy prices. For a more personal experience, chartered flights are
available via small air companies such as Airspan Corporation (helicopters), A. Soriano Aviation, and
Aerolift Philippines (small-to-medium-sized planes).

BY SEA

As the 7,107 islands of the Philippines are separated by different bodies of water, the sea plays an
integral part in traveling to and within the country. A range of seafarers are available, from huge cargo
ships to small ferry boats; take long trips that last for a day or two with regular ship lines or take shorter
ones with ferries. Major cruise liners call on the port of Manila.

WG&A Lines, a partnership between William Lines and the Aboitiz Group, has launched its SuperFerry
Program, an affordable but convenient alternative to the usually crowded vessels of other ship lines.
Website: www.SuperFerry.com.ph.

Arts and Culture

The major cultural agencies of government are the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National
Historical Institute, the National Museum, The National Library, the Records Management and Archives
Office, and the Commission on the Filipino Language. The Heads of these cultural agencies are all ex-
officio members of the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) Board.
COURSE POLICIES (refer to classroom management guidelines reflected below for more details)

Special Assignments

Students are encouraged to work together on assignments and when studying. However, the product
that you shall turn in must be your own work, not a direct copy of someone else’s work.

Cases of copying shall be dealt with following the university’s procedures for disciplinary actions. Note
that the university considers dishonesty or any fraudulent act as a major offense.

Thus, make sure that you do your own work and that you protect them from plagiarism by others.

Special assignments that are submitted late may not be accepted.

Missed Tests and Exams

If you miss to take a scheduled examination, you can make a formal written request to take a special
examination if missing the examination was due to a serious medical condition or due to

an emergency. "EMERGENCY” shall be understood as an unforeseen combination of circumstances

which calls for an immediate response to an urgent need for assistance or relief.”

Pertinent supporting documents must be attached to your letter of request. The schedule of the special
examination shall be set by the teacher.

Right attitude towards the course

In class, students are expected to behave in a manner that would not unnecessarily disrupt classroom
activities. The instructor reserves the right to expel misbehaving students from the

classroom. For one, use of cell phones during class hours is strictly prohibited; cell phones used in class
will be confiscated and surrendered to the Student Affairs Office. (Students are

assumed to have read Section 2.5.4 to 2.5.12 of the USC Student Manual, 2006 edition.)

Classroom Management Guidelines

1. Attendance is a MUST. Attendance in all classes is required. Being present in class means that you
attend each class, and come prepared having read the chapters and the exercises or

cases that are assigned for that class. There are 54 sessions/hours in this course and you may incur only
seven (7) absences for MW and TTH schedules or three (3) absences for

schedules which only meet once a week. Otherwise, you will automatically be dropped from class and
receive a grade of either NC (No Credit) or a failing grade of 5.0 whichever is

applicable.

2. Readmission. Students who incur three consecutive (3) absences will be asked by the instructor to see
the Department Chair to secure permission to be re-admitted to class. A readmission slip should be
properly accomplished for this purpose.
11

3. Tardiness is discouraged. Make sure that you come on time, as it becomes a source of irritation for
the members of the class and the professor when students come late. As a policy for

this class, you will be considered absent if you come to class after 15 minutes of the time. Doors will be
temporarily closed to give way for the signing of the attendance sheet and will

only be opened after the attendance sheet is signed. Learn to be professionals; respect for other
people’s time is a principle that should be valued.

4. Seat Plan. A permanent seat plan will be made at the start of the semester. You are advised to keep to
your assigned seating arrangement; otherwise, you will be marked absent for that

day.

5. Prayer. Classes should always start and end with a short prayer. The instructor can opt to lead the
prayer or assign students to do this alternatively.

6. Classroom Management. Students should assist in maintaining the orderliness and cleanliness of the
classrooms. Graffiti writing is strictly prohibited. Any student found violating this

rule will be punished with the appropriate sanction. Before leaving the classroom, the instructor with
the help of the students, should ensure that no litter/garbage is left behind and that

chairs are in their proper order. Should the class be the last schedule for the day, the instructor should
arrange that the lights and air conditioning units are switched off.

7. Mobile Phones. Use of mobile phones inside the classroom is strictly prohibited. Switch them off or
place them under silent mode before entering your classes. The instructor has the right

to confiscate mobile phones that rings and/or is used during class hours. The confiscated unit can only
be claimed in the Dean’s office at the end of the semester.

8. Consultation Hours. Students are encouraged to see the instructor during consultation hours for any
concerns, questions and assistance with regards to the course. Instructors should

ensure that they are available on these hours and at the agreed location.

9. Submissions. Timely submission of written requirements will be strictly followed. Delay of submission
would either merit deduction or may not be accepted anymore as the case may be.

Reporting shall always be done in an orderly manner, well prepared and refrain from reading long notes.

10. Class Participation. Everyone is expected to offer his or her opinions in class discussion, to ask
questions relevant to the discussion and to share information of relevance to the course.

However, please do not dominate class discussions. Be conscious enough to realize when you are
already spending more time talking than your classmates would appreciate.

11. Computer Applications. Students are expected to be proficient in using common applications
software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This is essential as you will be
making class presentations and submitting computerized assignments, researches, reports and case
analyses.

12. Library Hours. Maximize the use of the library resources. The library hours are: Monday to Saturday
7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

13. Enjoy every moment of the class. Lastly, learning should be fun and exciting. Enjoy your classes! It
will be such a tragedy if you will be miserable in the class. Participate so you get

the most of this course.