MANILA – Travelers in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, and General Santos City) have a new landmark stopover with the opening of the region’s first Tourist Rest Area (TRA).

In a news release on Tuesday, the Department of Tourism said the TRA is strategically located within the Sultan Kudarat Economic Zone along the National Highway in Barangay EJC Montilla, Tacurong City.

It is designed to improve accessibility for travelers moving between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Soccsksargen.

It also strengthens the tourism circuits of Tacurong City and Sultan Kudarat province, which boast attractions such as the Baras Bird Sanctuary, La Palmera Mountain Ridge, and the provincial capitol.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco underscored the importance of TRAs in making travel more convenient and enjoyable, noting that such facilities serve as “vital infrastructure for regional tourism growth and economic development.”

The new TRA provides a safe, modern, and comfortable rest stop for tourists, while also showcasing local identity and products, she said.

With Sultan Kudarat recognized as the country’s top coffee producer, the TRA will also feature the Coffee Experience initiative, connecting tourism infrastructure with agricultural heritage.

Visitors are offered free coffee during the first month of operations, a gesture meant to make every stop a memorable part of the travel experience.

Officials hope that the facility will not only enhance mobility across the region but also encourage longer stays, more visits to local attractions, and stronger community participation in the tourism economy. (PNA)