More tourism rest areas, which are poised to transform Philippine tourism, will be built in many parts of the country, President Marcos said.

Following the inauguration of the tourism rest area (TRA) in Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Marcos said the government will keep building more TRAs around the country in a bid to become a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
"Do not think that this is the only that's going to be built. This will be built...these tourist areas, rest areas will be built in very, very many parts of the country," Marcos said in his speech during the opening of the TRA on Friday, May 17.
According to the President, the facility is an important initiative for the country "as we want to transform the Philippines into the tourism powerhouse in Asia."
He stressed that the initiative is crucial in the transformation of Philippine tourism as the government should also focus on providing the ease of traveling.
"[T]here are many aspects to tourism. It's not just the beautiful beach. It's not just the beautiful rest house or the nice hotels and the resorts that they stay in. But it is also the ease of which they travel around, the access that we have," Marcos said.
Among the primary objectives of the TRAs are the enhancement of the overall tourism experience through essential services and amenities, as well as the showcase of Filipino artistry with local products and culturally inspired designs.
Each TRA is equipped with tourist information and assistance center, restrooms, breastfeeding station, charging and work station with internet connection, rest area, automated teller machine (ATM), dining area, pasalubong center which features locally-made products sourced from the locals.
The TRA in Saud Beach is the ninth facility to be completed and handed over to the local government. It is the first to be inaugurated in mainland Luzon and the first in Northern Luzon.
Other TRAs are located in Roxas, Palawan; Dauis, Bohol; Medellin, Moalboal, Carmen and Carcar City in Cebu; Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon; and Samal Island, Davao Del Norte.
The 10th TRA, situated in Baguio City, is slated for completion and inauguration by the third quarter of 2024.