PBA bags Sports Tourism award

The Philippine Basketball Association was one of those honored during the 5th Sports Tourism Awards held Tuesday at the Quest Hotel inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

The pioneering pro league in Asia was recognized with the Sports Tourism Tournament of the Year for mounting the 2020 Philippine Cup under a bubble set up at Clark at the height of the Covid pandemic.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial personally received the award consisted of a 15-inch gold trophy.

A creation of Raymundo Art Collection, the trophy features a variety of elements, each of which represents a component of Philippine Sports Tourism and its role in bringing the industry together.

Now on its 47th year, the league was recognized for its "resolute, passion and commitment to basketball fans, and continued efforts in promoting the sport despite the challenges during the pandemic in 2020."

The PBA was the first to mount a major tournament during the pandemic, staging the All-Filipino Cup at Clark behind a work force of more than 500 persons, including all 12 teams.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel went on to win the championship after beating TNT Tropang Giga in five games.

Other recognized with awards were the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as National Sports Association of 2021, Cebu Pacific Air as Sports Tourism Airline of the Year, Clark Development Corporation as Sports Tourism Destination of the Year, and Quest Hotel as Sports Tourism Hotel of the Year.

The PSTA helped boost sports tourism in the country since 2015.

It honors destinations, venues, local governments, sports associations, event organizers, and private companies which helped local sports tourism industry grow rapidly in recognition of their contributions to establishing the Philippines as a premier destination for sports tourism.