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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider DOT optimistic PH could be the next big international sports hub

DOT optimistic PH could be the next big international sports hub

Published Dec 11, 2019 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday expressed optimism that the Philippines will further make a mark in the international sports scene after its hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. SECURITY AT THE GAMES – Members of the Manila Police use bicycles in going around the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila to secure the place, one of the key venues of the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines is hosting this week. (Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN) SECURITY AT THE GAMES – Members of the Manila Police use bicycles in going around the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila to secure the place, one of the key venues of the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines is hosting this week. (ALI VICOY / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said that the country's hosting of the 11- nation biennial sporting meet has improved the Philippines' image as a “destination in general." "We're able to successfully host the biggest SEA Games so far in the history of SEA Games and we're able to invest in infrastructure that has never been present in the past--like a new stadium, new swimming area--and we're able to engage tourism sector to also be part of the preparation and implementation," Boncato told Manila Bulletin at the sidelines of a media forum in Malate, Manila. "And that any big event, I think they will consider Philippines already as a competent nation or country to host very important events like the SEA Games," he added. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that they were looking forward to more possibilities for the country's sports tourism. "The Philippines has always been known as sun and beach (tourism), of course dive tourism, but we also have sports tourism... Ang maganda sa sports tourism (is) we already have facilities, maganda yung nagawa , especially (with) the New Clark City," said Puyat during the media forum. "As you saw in the news pinagpilian kung saan magkakaroon ng Asian Swimming and pinili ang Philippines ... it's going to be held for the first time in the Philippines," she added. It was announced recently that the Philippines will host the Asian Swimming Championships slated November next year, wherein over 50 countries are expected to participate. "A lot has also approached us in terms of marathons, etcetera...Of course we have to make use of these new facilities, so we will definitely be sports tourism," said Puyat. "It is actually one of our tourism products and because of what we've shown in the SEA games, we can actually further promote sports tourism," she added.
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