CLARK FREEPORT – This Freeport has been named the “Destination of the Year 2015” during the first edition of the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PTSA) held on Nov. 22 at the Newport Theater, Resorts World Manila.
Clark was given the said award for staging the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival (PIHABF), “the only festival that combines ground event with aviation-related activities in an all-in-one extravaganza for local and foreign enthusiasts,” as written in the souvenir program of the event.
PTSA was spearheaded by Selrahco Management, organizer of various Sports Tourism Forum in the Philippines in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism and Philippine Sports Commission.
“Every time the hot air balloons are lifted up in the air, so is the tourism of Clark,” said Charles Lim, president Sehralco Management and Consultancy Services.
With an estimated 112, 069 visitors, the 2015 PIHABF contributed to Metro Clark’s economy, evidenced by fully-booked restaurants and accommodations.
Likewise, Clark has become a favorite venue for several outdoor sports events including the duathlon, triathlon, race car event, cycling, fun run, Ironman, Frisbee, baseball league competition, among others.
Other awardees include, Sunrise Events, Inc. for Organizer of the Year-Private, Municipality of Lubao Pampanga for Organizer of the Year-Government, Tabuelan III for Domestic Event of the Year, Ironman 70.3 for International Event of the Year, Philippine International Sailing Federation for Sports Association of the Year, Ironman 70.3 – Province of Cebu for Destination Marketing of the Year, Resorts World Manila Golf Masters for Event Sponsorship of the Year and Fat Boy 10s Rugby for Charity Event of the Year.