The government is mulling to explore sports tourism to bolster the Philippines' tourism sector this 2024.
Malacañang said that President Marcos met with key officials from the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss various tourism recommendations, including sports tourism, on Thursday, Jan. 18.
“The one area that I think is easy is sports development because they (athletes) are here, we just have to make the facilities better. Also food tourism has huge potential but it is largely untapped, there’s a lot of room to improve,” Marcos said.
The President said the potential of sports tourism is being explored, with discussions centering around leveraging sporting events to draw tourists, as Puerto Princesa is now solidifying its status as the 'Sports Capital of the Philippines.
To achieve this, PSAC recommended enhancing the region's presence on social media platforms, recognizing the pivotal role of social media in destination marketing and engagement.
Marcos underscored that the implications of the recommendations are vast, positioning the Philippines as a competitive player in the global tourism landscape, with anticipated outcomes including economic growth, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
During the meeting, PSAC shared its progress reports on ongoing tourism-related projects, showcasing its commitment to fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation.
They also presented key recommendations to augment the region's allure and stimulate economic growth.
The group underscored innovative tourism strategies encouraging visitors to ‘Visit, Stay, Spend, Return,’ along with initiatives to simplify visa application processes.
They also cited the development of a vibrant and diverse food scene to attract culinary enthusiasts and showcase the region's rich gastronomic offerings.
The PSAC Tourism Group recommended ‘Create Local and Global’ food events such as national and regional food festivals and food congresses focused on Philippine cuisine amid the current popularity of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Another potential program is to actively hoist and engage with local and international food influencers, PSAC tourism team said.