Lingayen, Pangasinan—The long-standing gaps in tourist comfort and safety has finally ended with the recent inauguration of the first-ever Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in Pangasinan on February 5, 2026, at the scenic Capitol Beach Park, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The culmination of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA), a flagship tourism infrastructure project of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, is central to the provincial tourism strategy.
“‘Yung Tourist Rest Area po na ito ay magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa ating mga turista na pumunta sa Pangasinan, stay a little bit longer, and to come back again and again, for they understand that we care for their welfare and we care for our tourists… We hope that this collaboration can only bring more livelihood opportunities for your province,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco. Through the TRA, DOT ensures that basic yet essential tourism services are available, consistent, and dignified across key travel corridors.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III proudly expressed pride and excellence with the establishment of the TRA. “This will really complement the massive development of the Provincial Capitol Complex… The Tourist Rest Area, [or] TRA, is the first infrastructure to open within this Capitol Redevelopment Program… Binuksan na po natin ang isang world-class na facility… We would like the [tourists] to stay more in Pangasinan. That is why we did this redevelopment program for the Capitol Complex… It’s a bold plan, it’s a dream of ours, but we will try our level best to make it into a reality.” He further thanked the DOT for confirming the much-needed request, which the province had previously lobbied for, to build another TRA in Manaoag, Pangasinan soon.
Amenities of the TRA features clean, safe, and PWD-friendly restrooms, shower facilities and a lactating room, a comfortable waiting lounge and café, dining area, a pasalubong center showcasing locally made Pangasinan products, charging and work stations, a spacious parking area, and an accessible tourist information desk. The TRA is also sustainably-designed with its solar-powered roofs and a rainwater catchment system that use local weather conditions efficiently. Overall, the establishment will enhance the traveler and local experience by offering a comfortable stopover, while connecting more closely with Pangasinan’s rich offerings.
Moreso, the event prominently featured a showcase of Pangasinan’s thriving local economy and rich culinary heritage. Guests and locals were drawn to the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise) Showcase, which highlighted various partner enterprises from the province; and the Slow Food Movement, featuring a festive display of native fruits and vegetables of the Slow Food Community of Pangasinan.
First Impressions of a First-Time Visitor
For travelers arriving in Pangasinan, the journey begins not on a beach, but at a destination designed to define the entire trip: the new Tourist Rest Area. For Ms. Bernadette M. Roco, a tourist from the UERMMMC College of Medicine Batch 1980 Reunion, the experience was immediately memorable.
Upon stepping inside, the visitors are greeted by an eye-catching, oversized Pangasinan map. It can serve as a navigation tool, but beyond that, it is a purposeful showcase of each town’s unique identity, history, and products.
“The one that I really like is the ‘Magnayon Pangasinan,’ [featuring] all the things and all the importance of [each] town… Every time you go, there’s nothing like that map. I’m really impressed. That’s very nice of you to do that.”
Beyond the visual attractions, it was the warmth of the tourism staff that truly stood out from the visitors. “And the most important for me also is how we [were approached] by the tourism staff. [They’ve] been very nice… very helpful in arranging all these tours. So, Pangasinan is really a good place to tour, especially [because of] the hospitality,” Ms. Roco added.
The experience also inspired thoughtful suggestions for future enhancements, particularly dedicated spaces for children and educational activities highlighting local arts and culture.
More than a stopover facility, the TRA positions itself as the province’s first and friendliest ambassador.
Ongoing Major Development to Boost Tourism
With the goal of strengthening the province’s tourism appeal, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan is undertaking significant development projects within the Capitol Complex.
Beyond the well-known Lingayen Beach, the complex now proudly features a new landmark to admire: the sprawling reflecting pool that stretches over 200 meters, complemented by an interactive fountain.
Moreover, a key component of the modernization of the provincial government facilities is the ongoing construction of the 11-story Provincial Capitol Plaza. This facility aims to house a comprehensive range of both provincial and national agencies, with the primary objective of centralizing government services and improving accessibility for the public.
Governor Guico also revealed extensive commercial and leisure plans for the area. “There are areas here that we have allocated for commercial development like strip malls.” Culture and history are also a focus, with a Veterans’ Museum planned for the north-west section of the Capitol Plaza.
Perhaps the most exciting addition for tourism is the plan to build a 320-room internationally branded hotel complete with a convention center. This major project signals the province’s ambition to become a premier destination capable of hosting large-scale events and accommodating international visitors.
Pangasinan is strategically positioned along major tourism and transport routes in Northern Luzon. Establishing a TRA in the Capitol Beach Park in Lingayen supports the National Tourism Development Plan’s objective of strengthening tourism gateways and dispersing visitor traffic to high-potential destinations beyond traditional tourism centers.
By showcasing Pangasinan’s local products, culture, and warm hospitality at the point of entry, the TRA sets Pangasinan not just a pass-through province but as a destination with a strong sense of place.
/MJGE
Photos: MRTE
