Candon City, Ilocos Sur: A New Sports Tourism Hub in Northern Luzon with Volleyball Milestones and Infrastructure Growth

Ilocos Sur’s Candon City aspires to become one of the players in the country’s emerging sports tourism industry. The recent hosting of the 5th Southeast Asian (SEA) Men’s Volleyball League here from July 9 to 13, 2025, brought the city to prominence as this was the first international volleyball event held not just in Candon but in northern Luzon as a whole. This feat is only the start of Candon’s dream to be a hotspot venue for sports fans especially in volleyball and to ride on sports tourism as one of the major enhancers of economic boom.

The city´s successful organization of the SEA Men´s Volleyball League has been described as a big step forward in bringing in more prestigious tournaments and international ball clubs into the city. The increased attention to sports tourism in Candon City as a result of this facility has the potential to contribute a great deal to the local economy, spur infrastructure investment, and promote the city as a destination for sport in the country. As the city advances its sports tourism plan, it’s putting in place building blocks that may well turn Candon and Ilocos Sur into a sports event and international tourism destination.

Economic Impact of Sports Tourism in Candon City

Hosting the 5th SEA Men’s Volleyball League became not just a demonstration of Candon as a sports tourism site but had an immediate and positive financial result. The tournament invited to teams all over South East Asia top players and officials, medias and spectators. The visitors created a surge of demand for local services, notably boarding, travel, food and tourism. Sports such as these contribute a massive economic boost to their host communities, the Filipino Department of Tourism reveals, generating employment opportunities, encouraging small business expansion, and boasting infrastructure construction growth.

The hotel and hospitality industry in Candon, meanwhile, was flourishing during the SEA League where the hotel beside the Candon City Arena earned praise for its easy-accesibility and outstanding staff service. The arrival of the international teams and guests have caused some businesses to realize the vital role the city and Candon’s lifeblood may play and have invested future growth in developing their native accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Sports tourism also has lasting impacts beyond the immediate economic effects. It’s the farm-to-table of pro sports and it could result in a self-sustaining economic model in which money made from events like the SEA Men’s Volleyball League is plowed back into local infrastructure and community development and advertising. With Candon playing host to international events, the tourism industry will definitely be a major beneficiary – making it a home to both sports and leisure travelers.

Infrastructure Investments: Boosting Candon’s Sports Tourism Potential

Candon whose local government understands that the sports infrastructure is crucial to pursue a tourism drive is bent on enhancing its sports facilities. Candon City’s SEA Men’s Volleyball League playing court, the Candon City Arena, is to undergo major improvements. Proposed renovations include bigger dugouts, a bigger scoreboard and other training rooms. These enhancements shall only serve to strengthen the ability of the city to host sporting events of a larger nature, to the benefit of both those competing and fans attending such events.

Together with these arena enhancements, the local government outside the arena is constructing a community airport that will make Candon truly a host of international events. Mayor Eric Singson made it a point to hasten construction of the airport to bring in international visitors to the city through the backdoor to cater mostly to athletes, their entourage and even sports teams. Expected to be operational in the last quarter of 2026, the proposed airport is one of the milestones of the city’s development plan.

The airport build-out will not only allow for more convenient travel for visitors, it will benefit the local economy long term by bringing more events, tournaments and tourism to the area. And as the host city’s sports tourism facilities continue to grow, it will remain a blueprint for other parts of the Philippines aspiring to benefit from the burgeoning trend of sports tourism.

Candon’s Participation in Hosting International Sports Events

Candon also aims to become a major player in the international sports events sector in the future. As it is, the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup that will be held in conjunction with Vigan City, has already been included in the city’s plans. Candon will be the venue for the final matches of the tournament, which features 12 participating teams. Candon’s capability of hosting top tournaments is strengthened by its state-of-the-art facilities and the city’s desire to use sports tourism to spur economic progress, says Ramon Suzara, head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

The fact that we will host these events is a testament to our city’s ability to provide world class sporting events that will lure more people to visit Newcastle from further afield. These games will be an excellent platform for local athletes to interact with and compete against elite athletes which will help raise the level of competition in Candon and Ilocos Sur seulmi. Ahead of the AVC Women’s Nations Cup, Candon City will implement further upgrades on the venues and infrastructure so that the city is fully-capable of hosting international sports entities.

Candon is already looking ahead to providing the international visitor experience as well. and Plans are underway for it to all stretch beyond sport and draw attention to the region’s cultural attractions and natural offerings. It will be a showcase of sports tourism and indigenous cultural encounters in an area rich in history and natural splendor so that visitors will have the best of both worlds.

Advocating Ecotourism in Sports Tourism The Case of Candon City Gov.

With the buildup of Candon as a sports tourism center, the local government is bent on making its growth sustainable and for the well-being of both inhabitants and guests. The city has emphasised sustainable tourism practices which benefit residents and offer an authentic experience to tourists. This will involve the promotion of public transport, and park and ride facilities, to help alleviate congestion and encourage travel more in keeping with sustainability.

As well as supporting sustainable tourism, the city is also cooperating with local businesses to ensure everyone feels the positive effects of tourism. Through increased local participation in sports events and related development activities, Candon hopes to develop a sustainable tourism generator that nurtures local businesses, makes Candon more attractive on the global stage, and helps develop a more robust and diversified economy.

Conclusion: A Hopeful Future for Candon’s Sports Tourism

Candon City’s dream of being the premier sports tourism destination in Northern Luzon is certainly at hand. With an excellent track record of hosting successful sports tournaments, investment in infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, this is a city set for sustained success in this fast-growing market. Through staging international events, upgrading sports facilities, and investing on tourism infrastructure, Candon City is not only honing a robust economy, but is also keen on being the sports tourism hub in the country.”

The city‘s collaboration with local businesses, sports teams, and government organisations will further stimulate tourism growth and development, looking forward. Through these initiatives, Candon City is on the cusp of becoming a global sports tourism powerhouse that supports local athletes, boosts employment, and draws virtuoso athletes, from across the globe to compete in the city.

References:
Candon City Government, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), Department of Tourism, Ilocos Sur Provincial Government, Philippine Sports Commission.

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