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Pacquiao's next figth in the country would boost Philippine Tourism

Press Statements

 

The recent outstanding ticket sales during the Pacquiao-Margarito fight that filled the Cowboys Stadium in Texas close to maximum capacity and record breaking pay-per-view sales speak volumes about the drawing power of Manny Pacquiao.

 It would therefore be a tremendous boost to Philippine tourism should Pacquiao decide to hold his next fights here in the country.

 He has a loyal foreign following who would not hesitate to come to Manila to see him fight and balikbayans may also take the opportunity to come home.

 Moreover, local tourism will also improve because Pacman fans outside Metro Manila will not let this once-in-a-lifetime chance of seeing Manny fight live pass.

 This will be similar to Singapore’s holding the Formula 1 in the city-state. This is being marketed as an international event and foreign tourists flock to Singapore for this novel night race.

 Should Manny decide to fight here, the Department of Tourism can make it the template for sports-adventure tourism in the country. Adventure races, triathlons, marathons and other sporting events can be scheduled around the time of the fight. It is important to get tourists to stay in the Philippines beyond the fight, have a pleasant and memorable time and spend their dollars here.

 This will be an effective tourism formula because we have: (1) the main attraction which is the Pacquiao fight; (2) sub-attractions like allied sports events and adventure tour packages and other regular tourist attractions; and (3) the facilities to support tourism such as ample hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment centers.

 The only other thing we have to ensure for this to be a foolproof formula is to guarantee the safety of our tourists.

 Holding his fights in the Philippines may not be as profitable for the Filipino super boxing hero. However, fighting here would mean that he would be giving back and showing his gratitude to his countrymen – his faithful fans and steadfast admirers. It would certainly contribute to increased tourism receipts, more jobs and economic opportunities for Filipinos and will revitalize our tourism industry.