BOHOL, the home province of the world-renowned Chocolate Hills , will be the next site of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA).
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday led the groundbreaking ceremony and signing of the memorandum of agreement with the provincial government of Bohol, the local government of Dauis, and the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority for the establishment of the sixth TRA rolled out by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“With the long list of natural and man-made resources in the province making it a favorite among visitors both domestic and foreign, the Department of Tourism recognizes the contribution of the tourism industry of Bohol. This is the reason why we made sure that a Tourist Rest Area will be established here to enhance the overall tourist experience,” said Frasco.
Bohol offers a wide range of tourist spots and activities for history buffs, beach lovers, and adrenaline junkies alike.
The municipality of Dauis is strategically situated between two locations: the city of Tagbilaran and the municipality of Panglao.
Tagbilaran City is home to one of the province’s main gateways, the Tagbilaran City Seaport, while the island of Panglao is among Bohol’s most active tourist destinations, with long stretches of white sand beach, including the famous Alona Beach.
The Dauis TRA will be built along a main thoroughfare, the Luis T. Clarin Highway, and is a stone’s throw away from Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Panglao. The tourist pit-stop is conveniently located so it can be accessible to tourists on their way to a city tour of Tagbilaran or those on a road trip to the towns of Carmen, home to the Chocolate Hills, and Loboc, which is most visited for the Loboc River Cruise.
“The marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is to improve the overall tourist experience, and with this Tourist Rest Area, we hope to provide our tourists a stress-free and convenient journey. The provision of this basic service is a building block in ensuring that your government can sustain a strong tourism industry and economic prosperity for all the communities that depend on it,” Frasco said, speaking in Cebuano.
As of September 30, Bohol has logged more than 222,000 visitors or a 24 percent increase vis-à-vis the 179,000 recorded in 2021, and 177,000 in 2020.
Similar to what had been launched in six other tourist destinations, including Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Cebu, and Baguio City, the TRA in Dauis will be a show-window of the Filipino brand to the world, and is envisioned to be a conducive place, where tourists can rest during their journey.
The establishment will also feature a one-stop-shop for information and pasalubong center, where tourists can buy best samples of local and Filipino products.
