THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has named Sultan Kudarat as the next location for its flagship Tourist Rest Area (TRA), signaling its confidence in the province’s tourism growth potential.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco led the groundbreaking for the TRA in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat on the sidelines of the four-day Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Soccsksargen on Thursday.
Frasco said like the 10 other operational TRAs across the country, this facility would feature not only restrooms and showers but also a shop to showcase local delicacies, including the famous fine robusta coffee of the province.
“Tourism is now one of the strongest pillars of our economy, providing no less than PHP1.87 trillion to our national coffers, and employing over 5.35 million Filipinos. Tourism is a force for good and no better is it represented than here in the province of Sultan Kudarat, whose tourism is now thriving because of the support of its local officials and also because of its people,” she said.
Frasco said on top of the TRA, the DOT is keen to further support Sultan Kudarat as far as tourism infrastructure is concerned.
“Tourism infrastructure is all encompassing and that includes the improvement of roads, construction of bridges and all other amenities that would improve the tourist experience. We are very eager to support (Sultan Kudarat) as far as tourism infrastructure is concerned,” she said.
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, meanwhile, welcomed this development as he declared the province open to both foreign and local tourists.
“This project ay nagpapahiwatig lamang po na talagang dumadami na ang ating tourists (This project signals that our tourists are increasing),” he said.
“Katulad ng Hundred Caves natin na every year ay may pumupuntang iba’t ibang European at American cave explorers, mountain ridge sa Columbio, at napakarami pang iba — all of these are really potential na puwede nating ipagmalaki sa buong mundo.”
Sultan Kudarat is part of destinations featured in the PEP: Soccsksargen, which gathered more than 100 tourism stakeholders, including diplomats and tour operators.
The trip highlighted the new Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park in Bagumbayan and the province’s spot as a top coffee destination. (PNA)
