Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials met with executives of Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) to firm up collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating tourism growth and investment promotion in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The meeting, led by SBMA Business and Investment Group Senior Deputy Administrator Renato Lee III, centered on expanding high-impact tourism segments such as cruise ship tourism, wreck diving, forest trails, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

LPC Chief Executive Officer David Lee-Chiu cited Subic Bay’s deep-water port and strategic location as key advantages in positioning the Freeport as a competitive cruise ship destination in Luzon. He noted that increased cruise calls are expected to spur growth across hospitality, retail, transportation, and other local enterprises.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Alino, meanwhile, highlighted wreck diving as a strong niche market, pointing to Subic’s historic shipwrecks that continue to attract both domestic and international divers.

The development and promotion of forest trails and eco-tourism experiences were also discussed, with officials recognizing the Freeport’s protected forest areas as prime assets for sustainable tourism, nature-based recreation, and eco-adventure activities.

Both parties likewise underscored the need to enhance Subic’s MICE capabilities through investments in convention facilities, hotels, and integrated developments to better capture corporate and international events, further strengthening the Freeport’s position as a premier investment hub.