CEBU, Philippines — To maximize the sports tourism potential of Central Visayas, the Department of Tourism (DOT-7) is eyeing to tap the tourism attachés all over the world to attract sports tourists.
DOT-7 regional direc0tor Shalimar Tamano said that he will connect with the tourism attachés all over the world and will ask them to help promote Cebu’s sports tourism events.
After the tourism office and the stakeholders identify all the sports related events within the region year-round, Tamano said they will send copies to the tourism attachés abroad and will ask them to help promote and gain participants/competitors, as well as passive event spectators.
Tamano said sports tourism’s potential to attract visitors is huge because it will not only bring in the sports enthusiasts who will participate in the game but also joiners or the passive participants who come to cheer or to witness.
Initially, Tamano said his office will make strong connections with tourism attachés in Asia, to attract Asian joiners or competitors, may it be in dragon boat competition, or other games.
“It’s time to exploit tourism attachés in Asia,” noted Tamano.
Cebu particular, has already carved its name as the favorite destination for Ironman, Spartan Race, Dragon Boat competition, among others.
In 2016, Ironman competition earned a revenue of P650 million.
On the average, participants spend $3,000 in Cebu including airfare, hotel accommodation, souvenir, food, and incidentals, said Gallura.
Ironman race registers 2,600 participants. Some 6,000 rooms are needed during the three-day event.
Hosting or organizing sports events also create new industries like coaching, sports medicine, bike fix, photography, and videography, among others.