CEBU CITY — “Clark is ripe for sports tourism,” declared Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera before more than 117 delegates at the Sports Tourism Forum held in Cebu.
Once the largest U.S. airbase outside mainland America, Clark has transformed into a key gateway within the Luzon Economic Corridor, steadily carving out a new identity beyond its industrial roots.
“We are the new kid on the block,” Devanadera said. “But in 2024, we proved we can host major events. Today, at least 2,000 runners converge in Clark every weekend. These did not happen by chance—we made them happen.”
The zone’s growth reflects this momentum. Clark now hosts 1,230 investors and employs over 150,000 workers. Its hospitality sector has expanded to 4,100 rooms across a mix of five-star, business, and boutique hotels, with more developments in the pipeline. Restaurants and leisure facilities have likewise flourished, completing a robust tourism ecosystem.
Economic gains have followed. In 2024, CDC remitted ₱2.4 billion to the national government, contributing to a total income of ₱6 billion. Productivity per hectare has reached between ₱1.6 million and ₱1.8 million—nearly triple the standard benchmark of ₱700,000.
Devanadera emphasized that sports is deeply embedded in Filipino culture, pointing to traditional games such as patintero and tumbang preso.
“Sports tourism is not separate from Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE). Both generate revenue and sustain communities,” she noted.
She highlighted how events create ripple effects across local economies. “When there is a ‘ganap,’ everyone benefits—from vendors selling bottled water and banana cue to barbecue makers, weavers, and artisans. Sports tourism is among the most inclusive forms of tourism.”
Clark stands out as the only economic zone in the Philippines with its own international airport, supported by 25 kilometers of bike lanes, expansive open spaces, and more than 2,000 century-old acacia trees.
“Connectivity, accessibility, and credibility are our foundations,” Devanadera said. “That is why Clark is ready for world-class sports tourism.”
No longer just an industrial hub, Clark is positioning itself as a lifestyle destination, a sports center, and a growing revenue engine.
“When you think of sports tourism, think Clark,” she concluded.
The Sports Tourism Forum was organized by Selrahco in partnership with the Sports Turismo Alliance, Inc., led by President and CEO Charles Lim. The event gathered stakeholders from government, private industry, tourism and hospitality, sports organizations, MICE sectors, and the broader business community. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio was among the featured speakers. (PR- CDC)