Sporting events revive tourism in Subic Bay
The crew of a competing yacht prepares for the send-off ceremony as they leave Subic Bay to restart the Clipper Race 2019-20. (Photo courtesy of SBMA)
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—This freeport has been drawing visitors again after various sporting events were staged, which helped boost local tourism, an official said Wednesday, March 23.
Rolen Paulino, chair and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said tourism-related activities in this freeport are now in full swing after being stalled for more than two years due to the pandemic.
“First, Ironman was here two weeks ago. This is the second international sporting event after I was appointed SBMA chairman. And this goes to show that tourism is back in Subic,” Paulino said in a statement.
Paulino also welcomed guests and participants of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the second international sporting event held since Central Luzon localities were placed under the most lenient alert level 1.
The Clipper Race is a yacht race held globally, with each fleet of yachts having a fully qualified skipper and first mate to guide the crew safely.
According to the SBMA, the free port would also host more tourism events in the coming months, such as fun runs, trail runs, and cycling events.
Holy Week activities and other religious and non-religious events will also resume. This is the peak season in Subic Bay.
