The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is a government corporation under the Department of Tourism tasked with developing tourism infrastructure and regulating Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) to attract investments and support national tourism growth. Established in 2009 through Republic Act No. 9593, it evolved from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to streamline tourism development and manage travel tax collection. As the implementing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), TIEZA’s purpose is to boost the country’s tourism sector by supervising TEZs, managing assets, and funding priority tourism projects aligned with national economic plans.
As a government-owned and managed corporation, TIEZA generally helps improve tourism facilities and destinations, making travel experiences more convenient, safe, and enjoyable for both local and foreign visitors. By attracting private investments through the TEZs it manages, it creates jobs and business opportunities in local communities. The travel taxes it collects also fund tourism infrastructure projects that benefit the public through better roads, parks, resorts, and cultural sites. If you plan to invest in a TEZ or need assistance with tourism-related infrastructure, learning more about TIEZA is the way to go.
Background
TIEZA was established to build upon the work of its predecessor, the PTA, which was created under Presidential Decree No. 189 (1973) and strengthened under PD No. 564 (1974). The Tourism Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9593) reorganized the PTA into TIEZA, granting it broader powers and responsibilities, including:
- Designating and regulating TEZs across the Philippines.
- Overseeing sustainable development of TEZs in cultural, economic, and environmental aspects.
- Developing and managing public tourism infrastructure.
This structure supports the national policy of promoting tourism as a driver of investment, employment, and development in line with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
What Does TIEZA Do?
TIEZA’s core responsibilities focus on creating tourism-friendly environments through:
- Developing, managing, and supervising tourism infrastructure projects nationwide.
- Designating, regulating, and supervising Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs).
- Managing assets such as hotels, golf courses, and eco-parks, or facilitating their privatization.
- Administering the collection of the Philippine travel tax, of which TIEZA receives 50% to fund tourism development projects.
By performing these functions, TIEZA promotes local and international investments in the tourism sector while supporting job creation and economic growth in host communities.
Mission
“To contribute to national tourism development goals and showcase Philippine culture by designating, supervising, and regulating sustainable Tourism Enterprise Zones; undertaking viable Tourism Infrastructure Projects; and managing assets.”
Vision
“By 2028, TIEZA is the recognized tourism development agency contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Philippines.”
Core Values
These values guide TIEZA’s governance, partnerships, and service delivery.
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Innovation
Quality Policy
TIEZA commits to:
- Implementing quality tourism infrastructure projects to support inclusive growth.
- Continuously improving systems and managing financial resources responsibly.
- Developing employee skills and maintaining a productive work environment.
- Following public policies, laws, and ISO 9001 standards for quality management.
- Regularly reviewing and updating policies to stay adaptive to changes.
Logo
The TIEZA logo features a handshake at the center, symbolizing partnership and cooperation between the government and private sector in tourism development. Behind it are silhouettes of key tourism elements such as buildings, a boat, and an airplane, representing infrastructure, travel, and enterprise zones. The circular layout with the text “Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority” emphasizes TIEZA’s role as the government body supporting sustainable tourism growth.
Organizational Structure
The TIEZA organizational structure is headed by the Board of Directors, with the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) overseeing key departments such as Internal Audit, Legal, Corporate Planning, and MIS. It is divided into specialized clusters including Admin and Finance, Architectural and Engineering Services, Asset Management, and Tourism Enterprise Zone (TEZ) Management, each with their own sub-departments handling specific functions like project management, financial services, and TEZ regulation. This structured setup allows TIEZA to manage tourism infrastructure projects, asset operations, and regulatory compliance efficiently across its various mandates.
Mandate
Under Republic Act No. 9593, TIEZA is mandated to:
- Designate, regulate, and supervise TEZs.
- Develop, manage, and supervise tourism infrastructure projects.
- Monitor TEZ operators’ compliance with approved development plans.
- Continue PTA’s previous functions, including operating and maintaining tourism facilities, assisting private enterprises, and coordinating land use for tourism development.
Corporate Thrusts and Priorities
TIEZA’s strategic priorities include:
- Maximizing revenue to support national and organizational objectives.
- Upgrading management information systems.
- Implementing organizational reforms.
- Designating, regulating, and supervising TEZs effectively.
- Developing tourism infrastructures in high-potential areas.
- Accelerating privatization of non-essential properties.
- Improving personnel efficiency through training and development.
Services Offered
TIEZA offers various programs and services to support travelers and promote tourism development in the Philippines. Through its Travel Tax Department, TIEZA provides accessible in-person and online services for paying, refunding, and processing travel tax requirements.
- Processing of Full Travel Tax Payment: Travelers can pay the full travel tax at TIEZA offices, where staff assess the amount, accept payment, and issue an official receipt.
- Processing of Travel Tax Exemption: Qualified individuals may apply for a travel tax exemption, with TIEZA verifying eligibility and issuing a certificate that exempts them from paying travel tax.
- Processing of Regular Travel Tax Refund: Individuals who have overpaid or are entitled to a refund can apply for travel tax reimbursement by submitting necessary documents, which TIEZA evaluates before forwarding the approved refund.
- Processing of Reduced Travel Tax: TIEZA facilitates the payment of reduced travel tax rates for travelers under specific categories by confirming eligibility, computing the adjusted tax, and issuing a receipt.
- Processing of Online Full Travel Tax Payment: Through TIEZA’s online platform, travelers can conveniently pay the full travel tax amount, receive confirmation, and secure an acknowledgement receipt without visiting a physical office.
- Processing of Online Travel Tax Exemption: Eligible travelers may submit their application online to receive a travel tax exemption certificate digitally after TIEZA’s review and approval.
- Processing of Online Reduced Travel Tax: Applicants qualifying for reduced rates can pay their travel tax online, with TIEZA confirming their eligibility and sending an online certificate for reduced tax.
- Processing of Online Travel Tax Refund: Travelers can request and process their travel tax refund online by submitting required documents, which TIEZA evaluates before transferring the approved refund electronically.
TIEZA’s Operational Assets
TIEZA manages a range of government-owned tourism facilities and attractions. Some of the most notable include:
- Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel
- Bustos Dam Eco Park
- Hilaga Northern Philippines Village (Paskuhan Village)
- Club Intramuros Golf Course
- Rizal Lights and Sounds Museum
- Balicasag Island Dive Resort
- Gardens of Malasag Mountain Resort
- Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park
TIEZA also oversees infrastructure projects such as the Boracay Water Drainage Program and Corregidor Island Breakwater Reconstruction.
What Are Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs)?
TEZs are designated areas identified as having strong tourism development potential. These zones are central to TIEZA’s work and are supervised under strict guidelines to promote sustainable investments.
Common TEZ locations include sites with historical, cultural, eco-tourism, or recreational value. Private sector participation in TEZs helps generate local jobs and spur economic activity.
TIEZA and Travel Tax Collection
TIEZA receives 50% of all travel tax revenues collected in the Philippines. This funding supports priority projects aligned with national tourism development strategies. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel tax collection significantly declined compared to 2019 levels.
Video: Role and Characteristics of TIEZA in Tourism
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is an important government body driving tourism infrastructure development in the Philippines. Through managing TEZs, collecting travel taxes, and supervising various tourism facilities, TIEZA helps promote sustainable growth and investment opportunities in the tourism sector. For a better understanding of TIEZA and what it does, watch this video below:
Contact Information
For the latest updates and announcements, check their official website at https://tieza.gov.ph/. You may also reach out to them via the following:
- Address: 6th & 7th Floors, Tower 1, Double Dragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, Macapagal Avenue corner EDSA Extension, Bay Area, Pasay City 1302
- Trunk Line: 8249-5900 to 79
- Email: ocoo@tieza.gov.ph