The Philippine Sports Tourism Awards (PSTA) recognized Puerto Princesa City as the Organizer of the Year (Government Sector) 2023 in a ceremony held at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu City on Nov. 22, 2024.
The PSTA officially recognizes key players in the sports and tourism sectors for the roles they have played in managing sporting events that boosted tourism arrivals.
As Organizer of the Year (Government Sector), Puerto Princesa City under Mayor Lucilo Bayron “has established itself as prime sports hub for domestic and international events.”
Already attracting adventure travellers, Puerto Princesa regularly plays host to world class sports events such as Motorcross Masters of Asia, Mountain Bike XC Challenge, International Dragon Boat Race, and IRONMAN 70.3.
It is currently hosting 12,000 athletes competing in the Batang Pinoy games.
Puerto Princesa City Tourism Officer Demetrio Alvior Jr. received the 15-inch gold-plated trophy during the awards ceremony held at Axis Bar of NUSTAR Resort and Casino.
Puerto Princesa City was one of the 18 awardees of the 6th PSTA.
The PSTA officially recognizes sports associations, events, destinations, venues, local governments, events organizers, and private companies from all over the country whose involvement have contributed to the rapid growth of the local sports tourism industry.
Other 2023 awardees:
- Destination of the Year: Subic Bay Freeport Zone
- Emerging Destination of the Year: Dumaguete City
- Organizer of the Year (Private Sector): Sunrise Events Inc. (IRONMAN Group)
- Event of the Year (Domestic): Milo Marathon
- Event of the Year (International): FIBA World Cup Manila
- Sports Association of the Year: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
- Destination Marketing of the Year: City of Manila, Rock & Roll Running Series
- Event Sponsorship of the Year: MVP Sports Foundation
- Charity of the Year: Go For Gold
- Hotel of the Year: The Bellevue Resort Bohol
- Airline of the Year: Cebu Pacific Air
- Adventure of the Year: Tour de Cebu
- MICE Event of the Year: XXII FIBA Congress, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
- Venue of the Year: Mall of Asia Arena
- Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (Government): William “Butch” Ramirez
- Sports Tourism Personality of the Year (Private): Wilfred Uytengsu
- Mall Sports Venue of the Year: Robinsons Malls
- Hall of Fame: Clark Freeport Zone
Began in 2015, the PSTA is now on its sixth edition. The previous ones were held in Manila and Clark. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the holding of the event every year.
Behind the 6th PSTA holding were Selrahco, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, Sports Turismo Alliance, Philippine Tourism Promotions Board, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
The PSTA was founded by Charles Lim, president of Selrahco, a public relations and communications agency based in the Philippines. His passion for sports and destination marketing moved him to stage an occasion that would officially recognize individuals and institutions who put up or participate in sporting events that boost local tourism.
