Philippine tourism department sets up tourist rest facility in Bicol

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and local tourism authorities gathered at the Hiraya Manawari Nature Park in Tabaco City, Albay to break ground for a new tourist rest facility for Bicol Province in the southern part of Luzon Island.

Referred to as a tourist rest area (TRA), this facility will be equipped with an information desk, a souvenir centre featuring locally-made or indigenous products, lounge, restroom and shower area, a private room for breastfeeding mothers, and a charging area for personal devices.

Tourism secretary Christina Frasco said that the TRA is part of the current administration’s directives to ensure that the needs of tourists are met. 

In her speech, Frasco said: “We wasted no time and began conceptualising a project that would ensure that the needs of our tourists are met and their convenience and safety are a top priority.

“For the world to love the Philippines, we must show our love for our tourists and there could be no better place to put a TRA than here in Albay.”

She added that the TRA will enhance the vibrant tourism programmes of Albay’s Tabaco City. It is hoped that this, in turn, will increase tourism arrivals. 

Tabaco City mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman thanked the DOT for this as increased tourism will be a considerable help to both the city and provincial economies.

At present, the DOT already operates ten TRAs throughout the country, with an additional 22 facilities in the pipeline. The one in Albay is slated for completion in five months.