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DOT introduces the Philippine Golf Experience to enhance tourism promotion in the Philippines.
Clark, Pampanga—The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially introduced the inaugural Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) on Friday (August 29) in Clark, Pampanga, one of the nation’s growing golf and leisure centers. This move aims to position the Philippines as a leading golfing destination and represents a significant step in incorporating golf into the country’s tourism strategy.
GolfEx is an innovative project by the Department aimed at promoting the country as a top golf destination. It is inspired by the DOT’s flagship Philippine Experience Program: Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans (PEP), which was launched across the nation.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco officiated the ceremonial tee-off at the picturesque Mimosa Plus Golf Course. She was accompanied by Senator Lito Lapid, members of the Diplomatic Corps—including Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino from Malaysia, Ambassador Thai Binh Lai from Vietnam, and Ambassador Marielle Geraedts from the Netherlands—Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Filinvest Hospitality Corporation Senior Vice President Francis Gotianun, and other key stakeholders from the tourism and business sectors involved in golf.
“For many years, it has been a long-held desire to bring golf and tourism together in a way that truly unlocks their potential. 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. What was needed was a deliberate effort to place golf within our broader national strategy, not only as a sport, but as an experience that brings together play, culture, as well as community,” Secretary Frasco emphasized in her speech.
According to the tourism chief, the DOT adopted an innovative approach under the Marcos Administration that emphasizes not just counting tourist arrivals but also valuing the country’s tourist offerings.
“Tourism, after all, is not only about how many people have arrived, but rather about how many livelihoods it sustains, how many enterprises it strengthens, and how deep the pride of place it nurtures across our communities. Golf captures this most beautifully—for when done sustainably, golf is a high-value, low-impact form of tourism that draws travelers to stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with our destinations, not to mention come back again and again,” she noted.
She noted that the event, attended by partners from the public and private sectors and members of the Diplomatic Corps, strengthens partnerships among all stakeholders and promotes the Philippines as a top tourist destination and market opportunity.
Additionally, she emphasized that the launch of GolfEx in Clark “is no coincidence,” as the area has emerged as a premier leisure and golf hub with world-class international airport and facilities.
For her part, Atty. Devanadera expressed confidence in Clark’s readiness to host major golf tournaments and other sporting events.
“Clark is ready for the golf tournaments and all kinds of sports tournaments, and we would like to inform you, and to show you, that 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 kickoff event was attended by several key figures: Michelle Taylan, Founder and Chairman of the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), and James Montenegro, President of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), alongside DOT Undersecretaries Shahlimar Hofer Tamano and Ferdinand Jumapao. Also present were Mark Lapid, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); Assistant Secretaries Judilyn Quiachon and Ronald Conopio; Lyle Uy, Director for Golf Tourism; Richard Daenos, DOT-3 Regional Director; and additional officials from the DOT Central and Regional Offices.
The event featured basic golf lessons facilitated by the Professional Golfers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PGAP) at the Mimosa Plus Golf Academy. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as professional golfers and enthusiasts, enjoyed a friendly 18-hole tournament, immersing themselves in the country’s world-class golf facilities and picturesque courses.
On its second day (Aug. 30), delegates toured key landmarks, including the Parade Grounds, Fort Stotsenberg, Centennial Barn Houses, and the historic White House. They were also introduced to Clark’s modern attractions, such as Aqua Planet, Clark Safari, Sun Valley Golf and Country Club, and the world-class Clark International Speedway. Additionally, major developments like the Clark Multi-Specialty Hospital Site and the newly opened Clark International Airport Terminal were highlighted.
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DOT introduces the Philippine Golf Experience to enhance tourism promotion in the Philippines.
Melo Villareal
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