DOT to help push Cebu as ‘sports tourism’ hub

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu's bid to capitalize on sports tourism has got the full support of the Department of Tourism (DOT), as the government has seen the potential of Cebu and other regions in Central Visayas to rake in more revenues from this particular segment.

DOT-7 regional director Shalimar H. Tamano said his office will focus on promoting sports tourism in the region, along with other tourism products that Cebu in particular has to cultivate some more.

Tamano said he will meet with stakeholders of the different tourism product categories to discuss how DOT would be able to be of support, specifically in maximizing the sports tourism advantage of Cebu and other provinces.

In an earlier interview with sports tourism organizing expert Princess Gallura, she said that aside from established tourism attractions, and the allure of an urban resort setting, Cebu is seen to make more money from capitalizing on the multi-million-peso sports tourism industry.

Gallura made this assessment following the success of big tickets sports events held in Cebu in recent years, such as the globally-acclaimed Iron Man Philippines, among others.

"With travel becoming more accessible and available, coupled with the rising awareness on health and wellness, now is the best time for sports, travel and sports tourism in Cebu," said Gallura, whose company organized of the country's premier triathlon — Ironman since 2009 initially in Camarines Sur.

In 2012, due to the growing number of participants, the firm moved the race to a bigger destination in Mactan Island, Cebu.

She said Cebu could well leverage in attracting visitors in the sports tourism segment, as this sub-sector in the tourism industry draws continuous influx of repeat foreign tourists.

But Cebu should make more efforts in promoting or hype its ability to host international sports events.

Hosting or even organizing sport activities could be a destination's ticket in terms of attracting both new and repeat guests not only from the country but from all over the world.

Cebu, which is now becoming a star in terms of big sport events, should not take this opportunity for granted.