Press release regarding the Bantay Turista Launch on 11th April 2003 at the Mabuahay Complex, Ninoy Aquino International Airprort complex Manila.

In response to the World Tourism Organization’s declaration of the Philippines as a travel destination for 2003, members of various tourism-related industries (Travel and Tours, Transport, Airlines, Hotels, Security), and businessmen will share a cocktail party at the Wings Bar & KTV at the Mabuhay Travel Center, NAIA 1 Complex in Paranaque City on April 11, 2003.

The party that marks the launching of the Bantay Turista Foundation (BTF) who will have Sec. Richard Gordon of the Department of Tourism as guest of honor and speaker.

BTF is a duly recognized not-for-profit tourist assistance organization that supports the tourism agenda of the government. Its vision is to provide assistance and protect the rights of tourists (balikbayans, OFWs, local and foreign visitors) in the Philippines thus improving the economy of the country.

As a fast-growing first-of-its-kind organization, BTF prides itself of providing the safety and security that any tourist will need as he/she moves around the Philippines.

The foundation is a committed to:
• Focuses on prevention of occurrence
• Reduction &
• Limiting the Progression of tourist-related crimes rather than just crime-reaction

BTF hopes to achieve these through a five-point approach such as Information, Protection, Safety, Monitoring and Reintegration.

Bantay Turista Foundation / Tourist Watch functions through three working areas such as:
• Internet-based Tourist Assistance System: Tourist complaint-reporting Features
• Federation-based Referral System: Providing Information and Safety Features
• Local Organizations-based Monitoring Group: Nation-wide network of local support groups

BTF is open for individual and company memberships and can be reached at the following telephone numbers:(0919) 565-4207) Jun Bautista
(0920-6007561) Cesar Sto. Domingo
(09178394366) Ursula Gaza

For more details of membership you may visit this page