“We will be a sports tourism powerhouse.”
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano confidently proclaimed the Philippines’ future as a leading sports tourism destination as he joined the ceremonial ball turnover for the country’s solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025.
“What makes us a perfect venue for hosting multiple teams and multiple sports [ay] ang hospitality ng Plipino. Iba talaga,” Cayetano said on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as the country opened its hosting of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Tournament.
“We really care, we really treat them as family. Kahit makakalaban mong team, aalagaan mo,” he added.
Leading the ceremonial turnover was Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, who invited Cayetano, the Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), on stage along with the co-chairpersons of the local organizing committee, Vincent Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Also present were Senator Pia Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, Pasay City Mayor Emi Rubiano, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, FIVB Australia Head of Technical and Development Steve Tutton, and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Rita Subowo.
Cayetano expressed high hopes for future sporting events, saying the country’s past experience in hosting have been valuable learning opportunities that refined the Philippines’ hosting capabilities.
“Ang isang challenge natin of course ay ang facilities. We’re learning. But the basics for a good community are also the basics for good hosting,” he said.
“I think there’s one thing we should focus on: supporting our own athletes. Pag ginawa natin ‘yan, sports tourism will grow,” he added.
The VNL Men’s Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena this week serves as a prelude to next year’s grand solo hosting of the FIVB. The ongoing Manila semifinals will showcase an exciting lineup of eight teams, including fan favorites such as Japan, USA, Brazil, Germany, France, and Canada.
