Department of Tourism Unveils Exclusive Tour Packages for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023
In anticipation of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially launched exclusive Philippine tour packages, catering to international fans and Filipinos. The announcement took place on Tuesday, July 25, at the DOT Office in Makati City, underscoring the country’s readiness to host this highly anticipated sporting event.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the unique opportunity the FIBA Basketball World Cup presents to showcase the Philippines to the world. “We see this as an opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world on the strength of our natural cultural assets, our award-winning destinations, and our emerging cities and municipalities,” stated Secretary Frasco.
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Details
The Philippines will co-host the group phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with Japan and Indonesia from August 25-30. Iconic venues like the Araneta Coliseum, Mall of Asia Arena, and the Philippine Arena will host 52 out of the 92 games. The final phase is scheduled for September 5-10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
International basketball stars, including Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns, are expected to play in Manila. Top-tier national teams like the USA, Greece, Mexico, Lithuania, China, and others will compete, drawing thousands of fans.
Tailored Tour Packages
To enhance the FIBA World Cup experience, the DOT collaborated with a tourism consortium comprising national tourism associations. The meticulously crafted tour packages showcase marquee destinations in Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, La Union, Pampanga, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Bacolod, Boracay, Palawan, and Davao.
The tourism consortium, composed of the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Hotel Sales and Marketing Professionals (HSMA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), curated packages for organizers, officials, players, and fans.
Booking Information
Tour packages, available for booking from August 1 to September 30, offer 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights arrangements at four- or five-star hotels. Interested visitors can book through the DOT website – www.discoverphilippines.travel.
Included in the FIBA tour packages are the Philippines Hop On, Hop Off bus tours, accredited hotel and accommodation options, and travel packages with and without airfare.
Government Support and Infrastructure Enhancements
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. fully supports the country’s hosting endeavor through Administrative Order No. 5, directing all government agencies to aid the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in the conduct of the FIBA event.
Secretary Frasco expressed appreciation for the support and infrastructure enhancements provided by the DOT’s infrastructure arm, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Airport enhancements and the construction of Tourist Rest Areas at FIBA tour destinations are set to be inaugurated in August.
Full Spectrum of Support
The DOT’s support for FIBA hosting includes airport reception services, domestic and international promotion, safety and security initiatives through the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, and Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Training. Strategic FIBA branding site enhancements are also part of the comprehensive support package.
During the launch event, Ms. Claudia Perrine from the FIBA Basketball World Cup Local Organizing Committee provided insights into the country’s preparations for hosting the tournament. Representatives from the DOT FIBA Tour Packages consortium elaborated on the crafted tour packages.
Bob Zozobrado, President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), emphasized the collaborative efforts behind the creation of the consortium. Margie Munsayac, representing HSMA International Inc., and Maria Paz Alberto, President of PATA Philippines, presented accommodation and tour package options. Wendel Santos, President of Atlantis, detailed the online booking platform designed for FIBA tours.
Tourism Secretary Frasco concluded by pledging the Department’s utmost support to SBP, PLDT, and Smart group during the FIBA luncheon held on July 12, which gathered the diplomatic community with some 20 ambassadors and consuls.