The first tourist rest area in Pangasinan opened Thursday on the provincial capitol grounds, offering amenities aimed at improving visitor experience.

The PHP10 million facility, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, includes clean restrooms, lounge, charging stations, lactation area and a pasalubong center featuring local MSME products. It operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, speaking at the opening, said such infrastructure addresses a basic yet critical need for tourists.

“We have many beautiful destinations… However, we also have many challenges. One of them is the lack of tourism infrastructure. In a survey… the number one concern of tourists was the lack of clean and decent restrooms,” Frasco said.

Gov. Ramon Guico III thanked the national government for the project, noting it is the first to open within a larger capitol redevelopment complex aimed at boosting visitor numbers and local livelihood.

The facility includes sustainability features like solar panels and a rain catchment system. (PNA)