Manila: The Philippines is looking forward to staging two major international events next year to draw in more tourists.
According to Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, things are still unsure at this point but she expressed optimism that Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao would agree to staging a boxing match in the Philippines.
She said that if this pushes through, having the world renowned Filipino boxer fight in his own turf would definitely draw a huge crowd and this will provide a big boost to the Philippines’ sports tourism.
“Senator Pacquiao no doubt can help us score a knockout victory in terms of international visitor arrival if he were to fight in the Philippines. Imagine how the world stops to watch it against the backdrop of, let’s say, Cebu City,” Teo said.
She added that Pacquiao’s top rivals — Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Jose Manuel Marquez — would be most welcome in the Philippines if only boxing promoters can make it happen.
The days of major multimillion dollar prize fights for Pacquiao may already be gone with the former seven weight-division title holder busy with work as a legislator. But with the right promotion, the boxer, known to carry the moniker “Pac-man”, may yet fight in a match staged in his own country and with millions of Filipino fans watching.
Aside from earnings in his prize matches, Pacquiao also reaps millions of dollars from pay-per-view royalties in the cable channels.
The Philippines is also looking forward to the holding of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in the country to boost tourism.
According to Teo, the government’s decision to accept the offer of Miss Universe Organisation to stage the pageant in the Philippines has gained an overwhelming public support, especially among Filipino women and their families.
Teo said that after 22 years, the Philippines is presented once more with the opportunity to host the event.
The current reigning Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a Filipina.
The last time the prestigious pageant was held in the Philippines was in 1994 where India’s Sushmita Sen was crowned Miss Universe.
The pageant’s coronation is usually held in January.
According to the Department of Tourism, the total number of foreign visitors to the country for the month of June alone was 455,347.
