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Karate ng Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. president Ricky Lim described the event as “a sound investment” that will generate immediate economic activity while promoting the country as a destination for international sporting events.
The World Karate Federation-sanctioned tournament, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, will be held from May 14 to 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Strong turnout expected
“This tournament will be a huge boost for local tourism,” Lim said.
More than 1,000 young karate athletes from 58 countries are expected to participate in the four-day event, with organizers anticipating an even larger influx of visitors because many competitors will travel with family members.
“Since our participants are children, we expect most of their parents to tag along, meaning that we can expect at least double the foreign and local tourists to come to Manila for the competition,” Lim said.
The Philippines will field the largest delegation with 201 athletes, while sizable contingents are also coming from Australia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Kazakhstan.
Tourism impact
Lim said the tournament underscores how sports can drive tourism revenues through hotel bookings, dining, transportation and retail spending.
“Given the metropolitan outlook and famed hospitality of Filipinos, who are generally fluent in English, we can expect our foreign visitors to use the opportunity to sample the culture, food, sights and sounds of Manila and outside of it,” he said.
“Of course, these visitors can be expected to go shopping, bringing home mementos of their experiences from the trip.”
The event will also bring in officials from the World Karate Federation and Asian Karate Federation, including WKF president Anthony Espinos of Spain.
Growing sports tourism push
Lim echoed the advocacy of PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio that sports tourism can become a sustainable economic driver for the country.
“Our collective engagement in hosting the Karate One Youth League is a sound investment that will have immediate dividends and beyond,” Lim said.
Beyond tourism revenues, organizers said the tournament also gives Filipino athletes rare home-ground exposure against elite international competition without the high cost of overseas travel.
“Indeed, this is a win-win situation not only for our sport but for local tourism as well,” Lim added. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
