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)
