MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) believes that the country’s hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is a big boost to the tourism industry, and will further the position of the Philippines as a sports tourism destination.

According to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, this historic hosting is an opportunity to showcase to the world the beauty and hospitality of the Philippines.

"With our shared love and passion for basketball, we celebrate this historic hosting as an opportunity to showcase to the world the beauty of the Philippines, and treat our guests to the world-renowned Filipino hospitality," Secretary Frasco said.

"From our sites, our sounds, our flavors, our festivals, our stories, and our smiles, we join a proud nation grateful and blessed to show the world the many reasons to Love the Philippines," she added.

According to data from the DOT, a record of more than 38,000 spectators attended the opening day of the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan held Friday evening, 25 August, while 600,000 people are expected to watch the games in different venues including Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, and Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, from August 25 until September 10.

The tourism department also showed its full support for the FIBA World Cup 2023 during the opening ceremony where Frasco attended the event, joining President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., lawmakers, cabinet officials, dignitaries, foreign diplomats and the country’s sports industry bosses at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Among the initiatives done by the Department to support the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023 included assisting in airport reception that highlights the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE), training of FIBA volunteers, enhancement of select sites, and the development and offering of FIBA tour packages that visitors can avail to explore the country’s tourism gems in between the action-packed games.