Section 42. Tourism Officers. — Every province, city or municipality in which tourism is a significant industry shall have a permanent position for a tourism officer. He or she shall be responsible for preparing, implementing and updating local tourism development plans, and enforcing tourism laws, rules and regulations. In the performance of his or her functions, the tourism officer shall coordinate with the Department and its attached agencies.

Prior to appointment, every tourism officer must have obtained a relevant bachelor's degree and at least five (5) years of substantial involvement in the tourism industry. The Department may also prescribe other relevant qualifications and require periodic completion of training programs. Such qualifications and the powers and functions of tourism officers shall be defined in the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.