In a strategic move to position the Philippines as a premier sports tourism destination, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially created the Philippine Sports Tourism Committee through Executive Order No. 62.
The newly formed committee will be chaired by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and co-chaired by the Department of Health (DOH), bringing together multiple government agencies in a coordinated effort to maximize the country's potential in hosting international sporting events.
Strategic Objectives and Key Functions
The committee has been tasked with several critical functions that will shape the future of sports tourism in the country:
- Develop comprehensive policies and programs to promote sports tourism
- Coordinate with international sports organizations to attract global sporting events
- Identify and develop potential host destinations across the Philippine archipelago
- Ensure proper health and safety protocols for all participants and spectators
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The committee brings together expertise from various government departments including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
This collaborative approach ensures that infrastructure development, security measures, transportation logistics, and sports facilities will be properly coordinated to meet international standards.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Sports tourism represents a significant opportunity for economic growth, with major sporting events bringing in substantial revenue through visitor spending, media exposure, and job creation. The Philippines aims to leverage its natural beauty and hospitality infrastructure to become a preferred destination for regional and international competitions.
The creation of this committee comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to revitalize its tourism industry post-pandemic and establish new niche markets that can drive sustainable economic development.
