Sports to bolster RP tourism industry dev’t

Sports Tourism, a new and exciting thrill, emerges as a new trend in the tourism industry. According to World Tourism Organization (WTO), trend in tourism over the past decades shows that “Sports Tourism” has emerged a very significant and notable segment of the world’s tourist market.

Nowadays, potential tourists look not only on attraction a destination can offer but also attracted to adventure and sport activities one can present and propose surely to make their stay worth the trips.

Significant expansions in the worldwide sport and recreation industry have also been noted while tourism industry in the Philippines continues to grow. The new trend of Sports Tourism is something that must not be overlooked, a challenge for our tourism industry to take and develop, and take advantage of the opportunities this emerging market presents.

As this new trend in tourism emerges, the Department of Tourism (DoT) and its marketing arm the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) has put together leaders in the adventure sports industry, leading Filipino athletes and sports personalities and other support services in the tourism industry in a major event that will showcase the many different destinations and activities a tourist can find in our country, thus, the 1st Sport Tourism and Adventure Travel Show was conceptualized and put to realization linking sports and tourism into one cohesive function. This aims to generate and increase tourist arrivals through sports participation and spectatorship as well as facilitate better coordination of sporting events with other tourism related activities to maximize visitor’s stay.

The event, according to DoT Secretary Gordon, will highlight the Philippines as the premiere sports destination in Southeast Asia. He added the event, which will run until Nov. 30 at Clamshell 2, Intramuros, Manila will serve as a prelude to the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which the Philippines will host in 2005.

In addition, Deputy Executive Director Cynthia L. Carrion of PCVC said there is a clear opportunity in presenting the Philippines as the prime adventure and sports destination in the region.

“We are blessed with the finest beaches, golf courses with world class facilities and instructors, rivers and mountains that offer thrills and adventures to visitors. Sporting goods manufacturers and dealers are also all around the nation to respond to the needs of the sporting world. In essence, we are a one-stop shop for sports and adventure seekers, both internationally and locally,” said Carrion.

Needless to say, the Philippines is one of the best destinations in the region which tourists want to commune with nature and seek adventures and thrills through spots.