Being eyed in Philippines, including cebu: more global sports

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is looking at the country hosting more international sporting events, including those that would be held in Cebu, as an effort to help boost the economy.

DOT-TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita “Marga” Nograles, in an interview with reporters during the Sports Turismo Alliance Inc.'s (STA) 6th Sports Tourism at NUStar Resort and Casino the other night, said that is the thrust they are aiming for.

“We at the Tourism Promotions Board, kami ho and in-charge of the MICE department, MICE promotions in the Philippines---Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions. So, we are working tirelessly to bid for more sports, sports programs coming into the Philippines,” she said.

She said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr recognizes the potential of sports tourism, as hosting sporting events has proven to be an economic booster, as evidenced by the growing number of tourists visiting the Philippines to participate and experience these events.

She disclosed that this coming January, for example, the country will host the World Surfing League’s (WSL) World Junior Championships in La Union.

“This major international surfing event is a significant milestone that highlights the region's breathtaking coastlines, towering waves and its thriving circuit scene,” she said.

“Such international exposure creates a ripple of benefits, as…(STA president) Charles (Lim) mentioned to us earlier, boosting tourism revenue and instilling a sense of pride within the local communities,” she added.

According to WSL’s site, this will be the first time that the country will host the said event.

"The World Junior Championship is one of the most prestigious single events on the World Surf League calendar," said WSL Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer.

Nograles also said that they are gearing up for the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Men’s Volleyball World Championships in September2025 in Metro Manila.

“So, more and more pa…. Padayon lang. Magsige lang kami’g bid and prepare for bigger groups coming in,” she said.

Lapu-Lapu City is also again hosting the Ironman 70.3 on Aug. 10, 2025.

Nograles said there’s also the FIFA Futsal World Cup in November 2025.  The venue for the indoor football event is still being finalized, though.

She revealed, however, that Cebu City has been eyed as one of the host cities of the event, but this will depend on the completion and negotiations with the owners of SM Arena at the South Road Properties.

There is one sports facility initially considered in Cebu for the event, she said, but it could only pass as a practice venue, per Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards.

Lim, on the other hand, also noted that Cebu lacks sports tourism events because of the lack of infrastructure.

Nograles said there are other events in the pipeline with Cebu being eyed as a venue, not just in sports but other events and conferences.

“Always, for Cebu! In the pipeline; let me review; hindi ko na-memorize. But yes, of course, we always put Cebu out there for MICE…. More and more are coming soon (in Cebu),” she said.

Nograles also urged everyone to support their goal for the Philippines to be not just as a destination for sports but also as champions of sustainable and responsible tourism. — (FREEMAN)