Asian Institute of Tourism

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.

Asian Institute of Tourism Instituto ng Turismong Asyano
Established	1975
Motto
Type	University of the Philippines System College (officially Degree-Granting Unit)
Dean	Dr. Corazon Rodriguez
College Secretary	Ma. Criselda Gatchalian-Badilla
Location	Commonwealth Avenue, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Website	UP Asian Institute of Tourism Website

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.

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.

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

Academic Program

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Tourism

Administration

Dr. Corazon Rodriguez - Dean
Prof.Ma.Criselda Gatchalian-Badilla - Institute Secretary

References

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

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