The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially launched the Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) in Clark, Pampanga, positioning the Philippines as a premier golf tourism hub in Asia.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the ceremonial tee-off at Mimosa Plus Golf Course, joined by government officials, foreign diplomats, and key industry stakeholders. She described the event as a milestone in aligning golf with the country’s broader tourism strategy.
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Showcasing World-Class Golf in the Philippines
“For many years, it has been a long-held desire to bring golf and tourism together in a way that truly unlocks their potential,” Frasco said. “We have always known that the Philippines, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, together with more than a hundred world-class quality golf courses across our islands, has all the makings of a world-class golf destination.”
Frasco emphasized that under the Marcos administration, tourism development is being measured not just by arrivals but also by its contribution to livelihoods, businesses, and communities. She noted that golf, when promoted responsibly, offers a high-value and low-impact form of tourism that encourages travelers to stay longer, spend more, and return.
Driving Tourism Through Sports and Lifestyle
Clark was chosen as the host venue because of its growing reputation as a leisure and golf destination, supported by world-class facilities and a modern international airport. Frasco added that the event’s success reflected strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as diplomatic partners.
Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera expressed confidence in the hub’s ability to host major tournaments. “Clark is ready for the golf tournaments and all kinds of sports tournaments. The secret here is synergy, synergy among the locators, synergy with the government agencies, synergy with our foreign friends, and above all, the leadership of the Department of Tourism, under, of course, the guidance of our President,” she said.
The two-day kickoff featured golf lessons by the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PGAP) through the Mimosa Plus Golf Academy, alongside an 18-hole friendly tournament for diplomats, professionals, and enthusiasts. Delegates also joined tours showcasing Clark’s cultural landmarks, modern attractions, and key infrastructure projects, including the newly opened Clark International Airport Terminal and the upcoming Multi-Specialty Hospital site.
GolfEx, modeled after DOT’s flagship Philippine Experience Program, aims to integrate golf with cultural and community-based tourism. With this launch, the DOT hopes to cement the Philippines’ standing as a top golfing destination in the region.
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