Clark to Host Pivotal Sports Tourism Forum
Officials from the sports and tourism sectors are lining up to present at the one-day Sports Tourism Forum on November 7 in Clark Freeport, Pampanga. Organized by the Philippine Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. with the support of Clark Development Corporation and key national agencies, the event aims to position the Philippines as a premier host for major sports events and destination experiences that drive tourism.
The forum gathers stakeholders from national sports associations and clubs, local government units, hotel and resort executives, sports facility managers, event organizers, and corporate sponsors from across the country. This diverse lineup reflects a shared belief that sport can catalyze sustained tourism growth and economic activity for communities nationwide.
Strategic Partners and Ambitions
Support for the forum comes from a coalition of influential partners, including the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Clark International Aviation Authority, and Clark Development Corporation. Their collaboration underscores the government’s commitment, echoed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to leverage sports events as engines of tourism recovery and growth.
Charles Lim, President and CEO of the Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. and founder of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, emphasizes the national momentum. “The Philippines is off the starting blocks to prove itself as a great sports host country,” he notes. He cites recent international events—such as the FIBA World Cup in 2023 and the FIVB World Championship—as proof of the country’s rising profile in global sports tourism.
A Distinguished Speaker Lineup
The forum’s program features a mix of international and local leaders. At the helm is Mr. Igor Topole, President of the International Children’s Games, who will lead a robust panel on the global opportunities within sports tourism. Other notable speakers include:
- Ms. Maggie Hsu, Sports Administrator, Ministry of Education, Taiwan
- Mr. Patrick Gregorio, Chairman, Philippine Sports Commission
- Ms. Princess Galura, President and General Manager, Sunrise Events, Inc.
- Mr. Carlo Sampan, Milo Marathon Program Director
- Mr. Robby Alabado, Director, Department of Tourism
These leaders are expected to share insights on maximizing and sustaining sports programs, developing regional tournaments into national and international events, and balancing economic, cultural, socio-environmental impacts with sports development.
Topics and Outcomes
Forum discussions will address several key questions: How can major hubs sustain world-class facilities and programs? What steps are needed to transform smaller cities’ tournaments into recognized national or international events? Delegates will also explore how sports tourism can benefit local economies, create jobs, and foster cultural exchange—all while ensuring environmental stewardship and responsible development.
Panelists will examine the broader impact on host cities, including infrastructure, hospitality, and community engagement. The conversation is positioned as a practical blueprint for leveraging sports events not just for spectacle but as catalysts for sustained tourism growth and broader social benefits.
Closing Events and Cultural Highlights
Clark Development Corporation will cap the day with a cultural dinner and a closing ceremony to launch Happening On The Green, offering delegates a chance to mingle, reflect, and envision a shared future for sports and tourism in the region.
Implications for the Philippines
By aligning stakeholders across government, industry, and community sectors, the forum aims to accelerate a national agenda: turning the Philippines into a recognized sports tourism hub. The ongoing series of fora, backed by the Department of Tourism and Secretary Christina Frasco, signals a coordinated push to turn local events into national and international attractions.
The event represents more than a conference. It’s a strategic step toward turning sports excellence into tangible tourism growth, benefiting athletes, hosts, travelers, and local businesses alike.
