The Tourist Rest Area (TRA) here has served 11,425 guests since it opened in February until the end of March this year.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) head Ma. Luisa Elduayan, in an interview on Monday, said the majority of the visitors are local and domestic tourists, with only 125 foreign tourists who have utilized the facility.

The TRA Lingayen is the first in Pangasinan, offering amenities aimed at improving visitor experience.

The PHP10-million facility, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, includes clean restrooms, a lounge, charging stations, a lactation area, and a pasalubong center featuring local Pangasinan products.

“It operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for the tourist assistance desk, but the restrooms are open 24 hours daily,” she said.

It is being managed by the PTCAO and the security provided by the General Services Office of the provincial government of Pangasinan, she added.

Elduayan said Pangasinense micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) have earned around PHP500,000 in gross sales through selling their products at the TRA’s Pasalubong Center.

“The income is direct to them. We are providing them access to income through the provision of spaces for them to operate their business,” she said.

She added the province’s first TRA is among the top grossers in selling MSMEs’ products in the country. (PNA)