A view of a basketball during the SBP test event for the Fiba World Cup 2023-hosting at Smart Araneta Coliseum. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday said it launched tour packages for local and international basketball fans in the Philippines in anticipation of the Fiba International Basketball Federation World Cup 2023.
Secretary Christina Frasco said the DOT teamed up with different tourism associations to come up with tour destinations that include Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, La Union and Pampanga, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo and Bacolod, Boracay, Palawan, and Davao.
“I share in all of your excitement for the Fiba Basketball World Cup as we also see this as a prime opportunity for the country to exceed that goal that we have set this year of ushering 4.8 million international travelers. Not only this will benefit our international tourism portfolio, but also our domestic tourism portfolio with all of these tour packages having been laid down from one region to the other,” Frasco said in a statement.
READ: Bongbong Marcos creates task force for hosting of 2023 Fiba World Cup
According to the DOT, visitors can go to its website and book either a Fiba-exclusive tour with three days and two nights package, or four days and three nights package. Visitors could also stay in either a four- or five-star hotel for any of the two tour packages.
“Included in the Fiba tour packages are the Philippines Hop On, Hop Off bus tours, accredited hotel and accommodation options, and travel packages with and without airfare,” the agency explained.
Frasco said the DOT will also assist in airport reception for travelers, as well as domestic and international promotion of the Fiba event in the Philippines.
READ: Single game tickets for Fiba World Cup in PH now available
“We recognize the profound impact that sports tourism can have on our economy, our hotels, accommodations, and most importantly, our tourism workers, whose livelihoods highly depend on the tourism industry’s success,” she said.
The Philippines is co-hosting the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 with Japan and Indonesia from August 25-30. Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan will serve as stadiums for the games. The World Cup finals are also set from September 5-10 in Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: PNP prepares for FIBA World Cup 2023