The Clark Sports Tourism Forum 2025 brought together leaders, investors, and innovators in the growing world of sports and tourism at the SMX Convention Center Clark on Nov. 7, 2025.
The event was organized by Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and in coordination with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).
The forum gathered leaders and stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and sports sectors, alongside event organizers, to discuss emerging opportunities and strategies for sustaining the momentum of sports tourism in the country.
Sports Turismo Alliance President Charles Lim opened the event, followed by a welcome address from CIAC Director and Pampanga Press Club President Noel Tulabut, who spoke on behalf of CIAC.
In his welcome remarks, Tulabut said “one of engines driving Clark’s transformation into a global hub of aviation, logistics, and innovation is Clark Aviation Capital where CIAC’s Seven Flagship Projects are charting the course toward a capital built around aviation, powered by progress, and designed for the future.”
“Clark is more than a destination — it’s a vision taking flight,” he remarked.
At the heart of these developments, Tulabut said, is the Clark World Convention and Events Hub — one of CIAC’s most ambitious flagship projects.
He revaled that the ₱32-billion development will soon rise as a world-class venue for business, leisure, and international gatherings.
“It will feature a state-of-the-art convention center and a 30,000-seat indoor sports arena — a transformative space that complements Clark’s expanding outdoor sports assets and positions this city as the Philippines’ center for sports and events tourism,” he said.
According to Tulabut, this vision is strongly aligned with the direction set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has called for the establishment of a super body on Sports Tourism — recognizing the vital role that destinations like Clark will play in strengthening the country’s global tourism competitiveness.
He welcomed the delegates and partners, whose presence laffirmed a shared belief — that sports is not just a game, but a driver of economic growth, community development, and international connection.
Among the forum’s key participants were BCDA Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Kenneth Peralta, who presented updates on BCDA projects, and panelists including Benito “Bong” Bengzon of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Michael Albaña of SMX Convention Center, and Nikko Bryan Huelgas of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
A special presentation was also given by Andrew Fernandes, General Manager of The Bellevue Resort Bohol.
Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who was a guest at Pampanga Press Club’s KapiHann forum the other day, is gearing up for sports tourism and looks forward stronger partnership with those present in the forum.
Although he was unable to attend, he conveyed his support for the forum’s objectives.
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