Sports tourism forum set in Cebu on March 18

The Sports Tourism Forum will be held in Cebu on March 18, 2026, organized by the Sports Turismo Alliance in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Organizers said the one-day forum will bring together officials from the sports and tourism sectors under the theme “Incorporating Sports in M.I.C.E.”

Leading the panel of speakers are Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Princess Galura of Sunrise Events, Carlo Sampan of Milo Sports, Director Robbie Alabado of the Department of Tourism, Vice President Kenneth Peralta of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Benito Bengzon III of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Marco Kasic of FundLife International, Michael Albana of SMX Convention Center, and Andrew Fernandes of Bellevue Resorts Bohol.

The forum is anchored on the push to weave sports events into meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, a strategy organizers said can drive room nights, venue bookings, and extended stays when tournaments and related activities are scheduled alongside business gatherings.

Under Administrative Order No. 8, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently created the National Sports Tourism – Inter Agency Committee, headed by Gregorio.

Organizers said the committee’s objective is to successfully stage and host sporting events in the country to boost tourist arrivals and strengthen the tourism industry.

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Cindi Chan, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano have been invited to present their views and support Cebu’s development into a sports tourism hub.

Organizers said other sports destinations—Clark Freeport, Puerto Princesa, and Subic Freeport—have also been invited to share case studies of their journeys in building sports-driven visitor traffic.

Registration is ongoing at PHP 2,500.00 on a first-come, first-served basis.

The registration fee includes lunch, one snack, a certificate, and networking opportunities.

Interested participants may register through https://form.jotform.com/250370552303446 or email arantxa.selrahco@gmail.com.

Organizers said the forum is intended as a platform for event organizers, sports officials, sports clubs, schools, hotels, resorts, local governments, corporate sponsors, sports venues, charitable organizations, and the broader sports community.