Asian Institute of Tourism

Asian Institute of Tourism Instituto ng Turismong Asyano
Established	1975
Motto
Type	University of the Philippines System College (officially Degree-Granting Unit)
Dean	Dr. Miguela M. Mena
College Secretary	Dr. Edieser Dela Santa
Location	Commonwealth Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Website	UP Asian Institute of Tourism Website

The Institute

The U.P. Asian Institute of Tourism is the premier institution of tourism education in the Philippines.
It is the first school in Southeast Asia to offer a four-year degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Tourism.

Its mission is to upgrade the travel and tourism profession by providing high quality education
and training to students who will be the industry's future managers, entrepreneurs and technical experts.

Objectives

The Institute performs the three basic functions of teaching, research and extension, fulfilling the following objectives:

• To develop entrepreneurs, managers and qualified staff for the tourism industry

• To assist in the development, growth and professionalization of tourism

• To provide a realistic instructional and research laboratory for tourism operations and management

• To provide a place for the conduct of professional and technical programs for the hospitality industry

Today, AIT remains in the forefront of tourism education and training in the country. As tourism becomes a global strategic agenda, it continues its leading functions and actively maintains its links with the various sectors of society.

VISION

A world-class provider of tourism education, research and extension services, and to lead human tourism capital development in the Philippines and the Southeast Asian Region.

MISSION

To develop innovative leaders in tourism development and to provide relevant education, research, extension services and serve the needs of our students, alumni, the tourism industry, government, local communities, and other stakeholders, in a manner that optimize resources.

VALUES

Upholds the values of honor, excellence, patriotism, concern for the environment, gender sensitivity, and equal opportunity for all.

Honor: Conduct ourselves according to high ethical standards

Excellence: Perform work at the highest level of quality and pursue life-long learning

Patriotism: Serve the Filipino people

Environmentalism: Promote environmentally-sustainable practices

Gender sensitivity: Respect all regardless of gender orientation

Equal opportunity: Offer services to all without discrimination

The strategic focus of AIT for 2012 to 2017 will be to:

1. Redefine the tourism graduate along the lines of Tatak UP;

2. Realize AIT’s intellectual future;

3. Provide an enabling, nurturing and stimulating academic environment; and

4. Transform the AIT area into the UP Tourism and Heritage Complex.

History

• 1973

Concept of a tourism institute becomes subject of discussion among tourism agencies and in academic circles

• September 23, 1975
  

Tourism Secretary Jose D. Aspiras formally proposes the establishment of the tourism institute during the 6th Regional Asia and Australasia Hotel and Restaurant Convention

• September 1975
  

UP President Onofre D. Corpus directs his Program Development Staff to prepare project study for the creation of the Asian Institute of Tourism (AIT).

• December 26, 1975
  

RP President Ferdinand Marcos approves AIT's creation as a tripartite project of the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority and University of the Philippines.

• February 6, 1976
  

A Memorandum of Agreement to establish AIT is signed by Tourism Secretary Jose D. Aspiras, Philippine Tourism Authority General Manager Rodolfo Cacdac, and University of the Philippines President Onofre D. Corpuz

• February 26, 1976
  

The UP Board of Regents during its 869th meeting confirms the Memorandum of Agreement, thus, paving the way for the formal founding of the institute.

• 1976-1978
  

AIT holds temporary office at the UP Alumni Center while AIT Complex is being constructed.

• June 1977
  

The BS Tourism Management program is offered as a four-year degree course in UP. It attracts an initial batch of 28 students.

• November 20, 1978.
  

AIT Complex is inaugurated by First Lady Imelda Marcos. Event marks the creation of the first such institute in Asia.

Jose Aspiras and Former First Lady Imelda Marcos unvailing the AIT Marker

Former Dean Mananzan escorting First Lady Imelda Marcos

Ribbon Cutting of the Asian Institute of Tourism

• March 1979
  

AIT produces first 12 graduates of the BS Tourism program

• 1988
  

Prof. Daniel G. Corpuz is appointed Dean of the Institute

• 1989
  

AIT House is leased to Brentwood Corporation and renamed AIT Hotel.

• 1991
  

Prof. Evangeline M. Ortiz is appointed Dean of the Institute

• 1994
  

Lease by Brentwood is terminated. AIT Hotel is closed.

• 2001
  

Prof. Reil G. Cruz is appointed Dean of the Institute

• 2004
  

Dr. Ma. Corazon P. Rodriguez is appointed Dean of the Institute

• 2010
  

Dr. Miguela M. Mena is appointed Dean of the Institute

Academic Program

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Tourism (Curriculum)

The Bachelor of Science in Tourism is a four-year course that aims to develop entrepreneurs, managers and qualified personnel for the tourism industry.

The program requires a student to take 47 courses equivalent to 150 units. Around 45 units are general education subjects (under the Revised General Education Program of the University) taken in service units of the University, such as the College of Arts and Letters, College of Social Science and Philosophy, and the College of Science.

The remaining units are taken in the Institute and consist of 19 required tourism subjects; five tourism electives, six units of which could be for study of one foreign language; and internship of 360 hours. On average, this requires taking 18 units per semester over 4 years, excluding internship (with a credit of 5 units) during the summer of 3rd year.

The subjects cover general management, accounting and finance, marketing and promotions, tourism laws, tourism planning and development, and courses that discuss the various facets of the tourism industry.

A special feature of the program is the internship in any of the industrial sectors of tourism. Students are required to undergo 360 hours (equivalent to five course credits) of training in the summer prior to their senior year. By getting practical exposure in a sector of their choice, students can make informed decisions on their career options, which may be in the airline, hotel, resort, convention, travel agency, tour operations, national tourism organization, and allied fields.

Administration

Dr. Miguela M. Mena serves as the Dean of the Institute. She is assisted by the Institute Secretary and two other Directors in managing the affairs of the school.

Office of the Dean
Tel: 922-3894; VOIP 2796
Email: dean.ait@up.edu.ph

Dr. Edieser Dela Santa
Institute Secretary
Tel: 928-3327; VOIP 2799
Email: upaitois@yahoo.com

Prof. Reil G. Cruz
Director
Division of Research, Training and Extension Services
Tel: 926-9442; VOIP 2798
Email: ait.dtres@up.edu.ph

Prof. Richard Philip A. Gonzalo
Director
Division of Academic Affairs
Tel: 926-9477
Email: daa.ait@up.edu.ph

The Administrative Officer, Mr. Zito Ochoa, is also an important member of the institute having supervision over procurement of supplies, building maintenance as well as internal operating budget.

There are also standing committees that assist administration officials. These are:

Admissions, Scholarships and Graduation Committee
Curriculum and Academic Instruction CommitteeLibrary and Textbook Committee
Academic Personnel Committee
Finance Committee
Language Committee
Food Committee

Student Organizations

Aside from the AIT Student Council (AIT-SC), there are four other student organizations based in the institute. These groups regularly stage exhibits, seminars, shows and other educational events that overall contribute to a lively and stimulating atmosphere in the institute.

• UP Club for the Environment and Tourism (UP Club Ecotour)
• UP Tourism Management Society (TMS)
  
• UP Travel Society (TS)
  
• Student Action for Responsive Leadership in Tourism (START-AIT)
  

A student newsletter, the Salimbay, can also be found online. This AIT-centric e-newsletter is the voice of students, made by students, for students.

Related Links

UP Newsletter: Domestic tourism is a way to respond to global recession—UP-AIT [1]

References

Asian Institute of Tourism website (http://www.upd.edu.ph/~ait/index.html)

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