The successful staging of the Sports Tourism Forum 2026 at NUSTAR Resort Cebu on March 18, 2026 underscored the Philippines’ growing commitment to developing sports tourism as a major driver of tourism and economic growth.
The forum gathered industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the sports and tourism sectors, fostering strong alignment on the future of sports tourism in the country. Discussions highlighted how sports tourism is becoming a high-impact sector capable of boosting visitor arrivals, generating investment, and stimulating regional development.
Charles Lim, President and COO of Sports Turismo Alliance Inc., emphasized that global travel trends are shifting toward experience-driven travel, with more tourists planning trips around sporting events and activities.
In his keynote message, Patrick Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, outlined the country’s ambition to become a premier sports tourism destination. He cited the Philippines’ strong sporting culture, diverse destinations, and capacity to host year-round events, as well as the government’s efforts to align initiatives through the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.
Cebu was highlighted as an emerging hub for sports tourism, combining natural attractions with event-ready venues ideal for international competitions. Princess Galura, President and General Manager of Sunrise Events, noted that sporting events bring significant economic benefits to host communities by attracting athletes, spectators, and extended stays from visitors.
Gelena Asis-Dimpas, OIC-Regional Director of the Department of Tourism Central Visayas, emphasized that sports events create meaningful visitor experiences beyond the competitions themselves.
A recurring theme throughout the forum was the need for collaboration among government agencies, private stakeholders, and local communities, alongside continued investments in infrastructure and event readiness to sustain the industry’s growth.
The forum drew participants not only from across the Philippines but also from countries including Thailand, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, and South Korea. The event was supported by NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu, the Province of Cebu, the Philippine Sports Commission, The Freeman, Islands Souvenirs, and professionally managed by Selrahco Management.
