‘Expand tourism to boost local businesses’

BALANGA CITY, Bataan – “Tourism can still be expanded to help boost local businesses”, said a businessman in this city.

“When a lot of people are going to a place because of tourism, it is good for local businesses”, pointed out businessman Razz Austria who is also the vice chairman of Balanga City Tourism Council Foundation.

He had spent personal money to develop water sports and mini-floating restaurant in the Balanga City Wetland and Nature Park in Barangay Tortugas. Unfortunately, typhoon-triggered waves destroyed the structures and water sports stuff. He said the water sports adventure had started becoming popular. “Water sports enthusiasts were coming particularly from Limay town”, he said.

Austria said he recognizes what Mayor Joet Garcia is doing for the tourism of Balanga. He said both the city mayor and Administrator Rudy de Mesa have great ideas about tourism.

Austria is credited for transforming a bushy family-owned area along main road in Barangay Ibayo into a bustling business site. In 1995, he relocated from Manila to continue doing business in this city.

He established Razz Bar and Grill, and later named the entire business area The Port. Currently, 3 other resto bars are also located in the business area including Pier 9, which he also owns.

A Jollibee store has been built in The Port. Presently, a McDonald’s branch is also being constructed opposite the road of the area. He also recently opened a Bentelog Kiosk in the area. He also owns Goto Mobile, an innovative bus converted into food store. His two Goto Mobiles are located in Capitol Drive, this city, and in Barangay San Carlos, Mariveles, respectively.