Efforts to position Cebu as a major sports tourism destination are set to gain momentum with the staging of the Sports Tourism Forum on March 18, 2026.
The one-day forum will be organized by the Sports Turismo Alliance in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event will bring together key leaders from the sports and tourism sectors under the theme “Incorporating Sports in M.I.C.E.” (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
Leading the panel of speakers are PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Princess Galura of Sunrise Events; Carlo Sampan of Milo Sports; Department of Tourism Director Robbie Alabado; BCDA Vice President Kenneth Peralta; Philippine Hotel Owners Association President Benito Bengzon III; Marco Kasic of FundLife International; Michael Albana of SMX Convention Center; and Andrew Fernandes of Bellevue Resorts Bohol.
The initiative aligns with Administrative Order No. 8 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which created the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee led by the PSC. The committee aims to strengthen the country’s capability to host major sporting events to boost tourism arrivals and industry growth.
Local government leaders, including Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano, have been invited to share their perspectives on developing Cebu into a sports tourism hub.
Representatives from established sports tourism destinations such as Clark Freeport, Puerto Princesa, and Subic Freeport are also expected to present case studies on their successful sports tourism programs.
Registration for the forum is ongoing at ₱2,500 on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee includes meals, a certificate, and networking opportunities. The forum is open to event organizers, sports officials, clubs, schools, hospitality establishments, local governments, corporate sponsors, and members of the sports community.
Organizers said the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between the sports and tourism sectors while opening new opportunities for economic growth through sports-driven travel and events.
