A rest area for leisure travelers will soon rise in Patikul, Sulu, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Friday, citing the province’s “readiness for tourism.”

The tourist rest area (TRA) is a flagship program of the DOT, providing major destinations a one-stop shop where visitors can rest, use clean toilets and buy local products.

The Patikul TRA, located near the provincial capitol, will be equipped with information desks and a pasalubong (souvenir) shop.

“The establishment of a Tourist Rest Area here evinces the commitment of the Marcos administration to support the momentum of growth for your province,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said during the groundbreaking rites on Wednesday.

“Tourism, when managed sustainably, becomes a force that uplifts communities. It brings revenue and opens opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange.”

As part of the province’s specific needs and with respect to religious sensitivities, the Patikul TRA will include a musalla, a prayer room for Muslims.

It will also feature sustainable elements such as solar panels and a rainwater catchment system to make it eco-friendly and resource-efficient.

Frasco said what sets Sulu apart as a destination “is its distinct ability to offer experiences from nowhere else” from its traditions, centuries-old artistry evident in Pis Siyabit weaving, down to the culinary heritage of the Tausug.

“These are what make Sulu an exceptional destination for both local and international tourists,” she said.

The DOT said Frasco first visited Sulu in February and “saw firsthand the province’s readiness for tourism.”

Governor Abdusakur Tan said the TRA would significantly boost Sulu’s tourism potential while preserving the province’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

The TRA is the fifth in Mindanao and 15th nationwide. (PNA)