PASAY CITY — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was named Destination of the Year at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards held on August 24, 2026, at Resorts Drive, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City, reaffirming Subic Bay’s position as one of the country’s premier sports tourism destinations.
The recognition highlights SBMA’s continuing efforts to attract and host major national and international sporting events that generate visitor arrivals, support tourism establishments and stimulate business activity in the Subic Bay Freeport and surrounding communities.
SBMA Chairman Engr. Eduardo Aliño said “This recognition is a testament to Subic Bay’s continuing commitment to sports tourism and to the hard work of our stakeholders, event organizers and the SBMA team. We will continue to position the Subic Bay Freeport as a premier destination for sports, tourism and international events, creating opportunities for businesses and communities,”.
The awards night brought together government officials, sports leaders, tourism stakeholders, event organizers and industry partners to recognize outstanding contributions to the development of Philippine sports tourism.
Sports Tourism Alliance Founder and Chairman Charles Lim said sports tourism has evolved into an important component of the tourism industry, creating opportunities for destinations to generate economic activity while developing grassroots sports.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamano emphasized that the benefits of sports tourism extend beyond the competition itself, as athletes, families and supporters stay in hotels, dine in restaurants, use local transportation and explore host destinations.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Pato Gregorio likewise cited the economic multiplier effect of sporting events, noting that international competitions bring athletes and their families to Philippine destinations for extended stays.
For SBMA, the Destination of the Year award recognizes Subic Bay’s established track record in hosting sporting events, including triathlon, cycling, running, sailing and other national and international competitions.
Other Award Winners
The 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards also recognized the following organizations, destinations, establishments and personalities:
· Emerging Sports Association of the Year: World Archery Philippines, Inc.
· MICE Event of the Year: Sports Tourism Forum – SMX Clark
· Tour Operator of the Year: Grand Country Tours & Travel
· Sports Media Outfit of the Year: Duck World Philippines
· International Event of the Year: FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup Manila
· Charity Event of the Year: Marriott Charity Golf
· Destination Marketing of the Year:City of Lapu-Lapu
· Hotel of the Year: NUSTAR Resort Cebu
· Emerging Destination of the Year:City of Puerto Princesa
· Venue of the Year: New Clark City
· Airline of the Year: Philippine Airlines
· Event Organizer of the Year – Private:Sunrise Events, Inc.
· Event Organizer of the Year – Public:City of Puerto Princesa
· Sports Association of the Year:Philippine Football Federation
· Sports Tourism Personality of the Year: Ms. Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion
The awards underscore the growing contribution of sports tourism to the Philippine economy, with destinations, hotels, airlines, event organizers, sports associations and other tourism stakeholders working together to attract visitors and promote the country through sporting events.
For SBMA, the latest recognition further strengthens its commitment to positioning the Subic Bay Freeport as a premier destination for sports, tourism, business and major international events, while maximizing the economic opportunities generated by the sector. (Dante M. Salvaña)
