Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as “Tourism Act of 2009” was approved into law on May 12, 2009. This declares Philippine Tourism as an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance. More importantly is the creation of the so-called Tourism Economic Zones (TEZ) somewhat similar to that of Philippine Economic Zones (PEZA under RA No. 7916), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA under RA No. 7227) Ecozones.