Eighteen organizations, destinations and individuals were recognized for their contributions to Philippine sports tourism during the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) on Aug. 24 at the Marriott Manila.
The annual awards ceremony brought together leaders from the sports, tourism and hospitality sectors to recognize institutions and individuals that have used sporting events to promote destinations and drive tourism.
The event was presented by Sports Turismo Alliance Inc., founded and chaired by Charles Lim, in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), chaired by Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.
Gregorio and Lim presented the awards, assisted by Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Tamano, who represented Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, and Sports Turismo Alliance Vice President Benito Bengzon Jr.
This year’s awardees were:
* Emerging Sports Association of the Year — World Archery Philippines Inc.
* MICE Event of the Year — Sports Tourism Forum, SMX Clark
* Domestic Event of the Year — Tour of Luzon
* Local Sports TV Channel of the Year — Island Living Channel
* Tour Operator of the Year — Grand Country Tours & Travel
* 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
* Destination of the Year — Subic Bay Freeport
* Personality of the Year — Cynthia Lagdameo Carrion
The awards covered sports associations, sporting events, destinations, hotels, venues, airlines, organizers, media organizations and tourism personalities.
Among those who attended were Clark Development Corp. President and CEO Atty. Devanadera, the first PSTA Hall of Fame awardee; Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Aliño; Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron; Lapu-Lapu City Congressman Junard Chan; and Philippine Retirement Authority General Manager and COO Roberto Zozobrado.
Presidents and officials of various national sports associations also attended the ceremony.
The PSTA received support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Manila Marriott Hotel, Selrahco, NUSTAR Resort Cebu, Department of Tourism and Universal Robina Corp.
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