Leaders from the sports and tourism industries, government officials, and private sector stakeholders are set to gather for the Sports Tourism Forum 2026 on March 18 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu.
The one-day forum is backed by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Tourism Region 7, Cebu MICE Alliance, and NUSTAR Resort Cebu, with The Freeman serving as official media partner.
This year’s forum will feature three panel discussions tackling key issues shaping sports tourism today: the role of the tourism sector in advancing sports tourism, the impact of sponsorships on Cebu’s sports initiatives, and the achievements and challenges in managing sports tourism events.
Among the distinguished speakers are Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission; Cleofe Albiso, president of the Cebu MICE Alliance; Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc.; Roberto “Robby” Alabado III, director of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism of the Department of Tourism; Kenneth Peralta, vice president for investment, promotions, and marketing at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Andrew Fernandes, a sports tourism organizer from Bohol; Marko Kasic, founder of FundLife International; Carlo Sampan, head of MILO Sports; and Benito “Bong” Bengzon Jr., vice president of Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc. and executive director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association.
Since its inception in 2004, the Sports Tourism Forum has been staged in various parts of the country to promote better management of sporting events and strengthen their role in boosting tourism. Organizers underscore that sports events generate positive social, cultural, and economic impact for host cities.
The forum series is hosted by Selrahco Management for Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization and member of the International Association of Event Hosts.
Registration is priced at ₱2,500 on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee covers lunch, one snack, a certificate, and networking opportunities. Interested participants may register online or email arantxa.selrahco@gmail.com
