The Department of Tourism opened two more Tourist Rest Areas in the provinces of Cebu. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas)
To cater to more travelers visiting the island, the Department of Tourism opened a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in two provinces in Cebu in December 2023.
The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas (DOT-7) recently unveiled structures in Moalboal and the northern municipality of Carmen to help tourists navigate various tourist spots around the area.
This project is part of the DOT’s flagship program that aims to provide a better visiting experience for travelers in the different cities and provinces of the country.
This was spearheaded by Tourism Secretary Christine Frasco, in collaboration with the DOT’s infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise and Zone Authority (TIEZA).
TRAs serve as pitstops for travelers to rest, take care of personal necessities, buy souvenirs, and most importantly, get information about the province or area they’re in.
The first TRA in Cebu was also the first in the Philippines, which was built in Medellin in July of 2023. Another tourist rest area opened in Carcar City in October of the same year.
CARMEN
(Photos courtesy of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas)
The municipality of Carmen is around 40 kilometers away from Cebu City, reportedly welcoming 14,000 visitors a month. It is most famous for the Cebu Safari Adventure Park, which is one of the biggest zoos in the country.
They’re also famous for their local delicacies like their empanadas and their own local version of lechon.
The Tourist Rest Area is jointly managed by the Safari and the local government unit of Carmen. The Safari plays a more active role in employing personnel and providing necessities such as water and electricity.
The TRA is strategically located along Cebu North Road to provide easier access for road trips to other northern Cebu towns like Sogod, San Remigio, and Medellin.
MOALBOAL
(Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas)
Moalboal, on the other hand, is one of the country’s leading diving destinations, famous for the world-renowned Sardine Run. It’s also a popular tourist destination because of Panagsama Beach, one of the island’s most frequented public beaches.
The diving culture is on full display at the Moalboal TRA, with snorkeling and freediving being prominent activities among locals and tourists who are in the area. They also have miniature models of sea turtles which are commonly seen in Moalboal waters.
The Moalboal TRA is one of the most accessible places to find local delicacies such as the Bago Tea and Sweet Potato Yema.
The structure is also strategically located along the national highway, giving you better access to the many tourist locations and eco-tourism sites within the municipality.
