ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has promised to provide the City of Zamboanga with a tourist rest area for visitors to enjoy before heading to the 11 islands, also known as 'Onse Islas.’

The group of 11 islands is one of the attractions that the city of Zamboanga is trying to develop. It is rich in coastal resources such as mangroves and associated species, seagrass beds, corals, reef fish, and more, boasting pristine waters and majestic rock formations.

“Since it will be a journey going there (Onse Islas), and since I understand your priority is in line with the Marcos administration’s aim to enhance the entire tourism experience, we would like to gift the city of Zamboanga with a tourist rest area that our tourists can enjoy before they go to the 11 islands,” Frasco said.

This is in addition to the assistance that the DOT is extending through its attached agencies and other tourism infrastructure projects that the tourism department partners with the city to implement.

The Tourist Rest Area is a flagship project of the DOT identified as among the priority programs of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. 

It serves as a convergence point for foreign and local travelers to get information on tourism sites, attractions, activities, and accommodations; report concerns related to safety and security; and access other provisions necessary during their stay at a destination, such as a clean restroom.

Frasco made the statement during her visit to Zamboanga City for the launch of the department’s Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage, and Art Caravan in Western Mindanao.

Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe stated that the city fully supports the DOT’s program as it anchors its local tourism plans and programs based on the national tourism development plan.

“Zamboanga City is ready to welcome more visitors or tourists, especially with the Philippine Experience Program,” Mayor Dalipe said.

In 2023, tourist inflow data showed a 14 percent increase in tourist arrivals, with a figure of 686,744.

Zamboanga City offers various local tourism products for locals, tourists, and visitors to have a great travel and tour experience. These include eco tours, gastronomy tours, dive tours, cultural and historical tours, industrial tours, and festivals.

Under the Dalipe administration, the city has institutionalized the Hermosa Golf Tournament as one of the major events of the biggest festival every October, the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

Secretary Frasco assured Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe of the department's commitment to showcasing the vibrant story of Zamboanga.

“Zamboanga, you have my full support in terms of partnership from the Department of Tourism, for under the Marcos administration, the effort is to highlight the Filipino identity,” Frasco said. (RVC/EDT/CCP/PIA9)