DOT to build tourism rest areas across Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to launch the construction of 10 so-called “tourist service areas” across the country next month.

During a meeting with business leaders in New York where President Marcos held a working visit, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco declared the groundbreaking of the 10 tourist service areas is part of the agency’s “strategies for tourism development.”

She highlighted that the tourist rest areas would contain “clean restrooms,” which she described as “the most basic aspect of travel.”

“We plan to address the most basic aspect of travel across the Philippines: clean restrooms. I’m very pleased to inform you that in the first week of October, under the directive of the President, we are breaking ground on no less than 10 tourist rest areas across the Philippines. Three in Luzon, five in the Visayas and two in Mindanao,” she said.

She added aside from “clean and decent restrooms for our tourists,” the tourist rest areas would also feature “a lounge for them to rest in, complete information on tourist destinations, as well as pasalubong centers for them to be able to purchase local products and delicacies.”

The DOT came up with the construction of the tourist service areas upon orders from President Marcos, whom Frasco said has “clearly identified tourism as a major tool for the economic resurgence of the Philippines.”