Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the groundbreaking of the country's first-ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on Friday, Oct. 7.
Grounded on the DOT's vision to provide convenience and comfort to tourists, Frasco said that the tourist rest facility highlights the provision of clean restrooms for tourists in transit to different tourist destinations.
Frasco noted that the provision of decent and clean restrooms had been one of the long-belated concerns of local and foreign tourists traveling the country.
The tourism chief said that the DOT is projected to establish at least ten TRA facilities nationwide before the year ends, she added, as part of their efforts to boost the country’s tourism industry.
She said the TRA facilities will have a maximum of at least 300 square meter zone and will be filled with a "pasalubong center" inside to promote local products and native artifacts to highlight Filipino artistry.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) with the support of local government units (LGUs).
“Also expected on the TRA are a coffee shop, pasalubong and souvenir store, tourist information area, and a charging station,” said Frasco.
Frasco was joined at the groundbreaking by TIEZA - Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid; 1st District Congressman Jose Manuel F. Alba; Vice Governor Clive D. Quino; Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño; Vice-Mayor Reynaldo "Bojun" L. Bagayas, Jr; and Atty. Romwel Roque, representative of Governor Oniel Roque.
“These areas will serve travelers in need of accommodation, information, safety, and security,” added Frasco.