A new tourist rest area (TRA) will soon rise in this island municipality, sprucing up the destination as Batanes seeks to court more local and foreign tourists.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the groundbreaking rites for the project on the sidelines of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Batanes leg on Thursday.
The TRA, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is a flagship program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) where travelers can lounge in between their tours on the island and buy from a variety of local crafts and products unique to Batanes.
“It is our sincere hope that our tourists that come to the breathtaking province of Batanes and make their way to the stunning shores and hillsides of Sabtang will feel the love that we have been campaigning for the world to have for the Philippines,” Frasco said.
Speaking before the PEP delegates, including private tourism stakeholders and members of the diplomatic corps, Frasco said the government would continue its investments to ensure that a tourist’s stay in the Philippines is “one that is memorable” and leaves them with lasting experiences.
The DOT targets to put up about 100 TRAs across the country. By yearend, Frasco said, at least 60 more new projects would break ground in different regions.
Batanes Vice Governor Ignacio Villa welcomed the new project and recognized the DOT for incorporating the iconic stone structure and Ivatan heritage in the soon-to-rise rest stop.
“We are grateful that you embrace our unique architectural identity by incorporating elements of our iconic stone structure. This thoughtful adaptation ensures the development in Batanes remains true to its roots,” Villa said.
“With this milestone, we are further blessed to safeguard our identities while embracing progress that uplifts not only our visitors but the (tourism workers) who are the heart of our tourism industry.”
After the TRA construction, TIEZA will turn the facility over to the local government for management.
On top of providing travelers with clean rest areas, Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. said he expects this project to serve as a space for local businesses to thrive and showcase their products.
Access roads
In a separate interview, Frasco said the DOT is also keen to facilitate further tourism infrastructure support to the province, including access road improvements.
“We are open to continued collaboration by way of requests emanating from the district, as well as the people of Batanes,” she said.
“Not only that, we have seen that Batanes is also in need of several other critical infrastructure, especially their port facilities that would also help in terms of the marine economy of Batanes.”
Frasco said the DOT would coordinate with the Department of Transportation and support the province’s request for port expansion. (PNA)
