CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – Clark has once again secured its title as a prime sports tourism destination in the country during the recently concluded 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held in Clark Marriott Hotel.
With full support from Smart Communications, Universal Robina Corporation, and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, the 4th PSTA sought to once again recognize and celebrate the movers and shakers of Philippine Sports Tourism. This year’s awarding ceremony bestowed a total of 16 awards to public and private organizations and personalities who have championed sports tourism in 2019.
Now in their 3rd streak, the Clark Freeport Zone has been hailed as the top sports tourism destination of the year after hosting over 200 sporting events in 2019 including the renowned 30thSouth East Asian Games. The Freeport Zone saw a total of over 340,000 participants last year for its sporting initiatives with 4,000 athletes coming to compete in the SEAG. Moreover, over 150,000 local and international tourists visited Clark to witness the international event.
Despite the pandemic leaving a strain on hosting of sporting events in the Freeport Zone this year, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has expressed confidence in eventually getting its sports tourism sector back on track in the coming months.
“We are honored to be part of this (PSTA). We think that more than ever, this event is very meaningful because it comes in the event of the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic. Other industries would have been low keyed but it is in honor of the association that tonight’s activity is being handled to show that like sports, it perseveres and it aims to achieve and overcome obstacles that were met along the road. So, as tribute to that perseverance, we welcome you to Clark and to the resurgence and the revival of Sports Tourism in our country”, said OIC of Clark Development Corporation, Mariza Mandocdoc.
Other awardees in the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards include Manuel V. Pangilinan for Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (private), Mayor Felipe Remollo for Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (government), People’s Television Network for News Coverage of the Year, New Clark City for Sports Venue of the Year, Philippine Airlines for Airline of the Year, Resorts World Manila for Charity Event of the Year, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines for Event Sponsorship of the Year, The Mansion Boutique Hotel and Villas for Hotel of the Year, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for Destination Marketing of the Year, Triathlon Association of the Philippines for Sports Association of the Year, TINMAN Ilocos Norte for Event of the Year (domestic), Ironman 70.3 for Event of the Year (International), Sunrise Events Inc. for Organizer of the Year (private), and Dumaguete City for Organizer of the Year (government).
