Aurora Enhances Sports Tourism Appeal with World Surf League Event at Sabang Beach in Baler, Positioning the Province as a Top Competitive Sports Hub

Published on November 21, 2025

Aurora is securing its spot as a prime sports tourism destination after the successful staging of the World Surf League event on Sabang Beach in Baler. The tournament drew 126 athletes from the Philippines and Asia and marked a significant milestone as the province continues to establish itself as a key spot for outdoor sports and competitive events. This increase in sports tourism forms part of a wider strategy to diversify Aurora’s tourism products to make it an attractive option for travelers seeking adventure and culture.

The World Surf League event is one of Aurora’s largest sporting gatherings and serves as a reflection of the increasing importance of sports tourism for both local economic development and regional identity. Hosting these high-profile sporting events, the province is expected to see even more significant tourism booms for local businesses, attracting international attention and ensuring long-term growth in the sports tourism sector.

Surfing as a Key Tourism Driver for Aurora

The success of this event highlights surfing as a powerful tool for tourism growth in Aurora. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson, John Patrick Gregorio, noted that the event’s success and high level of competition demonstrate how surfing can drive Aurora’s tourism growth. He stated, “Surfing is a sports tourism product, and it’s a sport where we can excel globally. Our athletes are strong contenders, and our waves are world-class destinations.”

The growing popularity of surfing in Baler, which has long been known as the birthplace of Philippine surfing, plays a key role in positioning the region as a premier destination for both local and international tourists. As surfing continues to gain traction worldwide, Aurora stands to benefit from its ideal surfing conditions and its ability to host large-scale events like the WSL competition, which draws not just athletes, but also spectators, media, and business interests.

A Platform for Local Athletes and Community Engagement

In addition to attracting international attention, the WSL event offers an important platform for local athletes, helping to develop and showcase surfing talent in the region. The competition featured both shortboard and longboard categories, giving surfers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on the same world-class waves that have cemented Baler’s reputation as a top surfing destination.

Beyond the competition, the event also provided community engagement through activities such as surfing clinics, creative workshops, and beach cleanups, which not only promoted environmental awareness but also helped to educate the next generation of surfers. These grassroots programs are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of surfing tourism in the area, as they foster community involvement and build stronger local connections to the growing tourism sector.

Strengthening Central Luzon’s Sports Tourism Identity

Ronsan Pelariza, Chief Tourism Operations Officer for Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3, emphasized that the success of the event strengthens Central Luzon’s identity as a premier sports tourism destination. She stated, “We are not just after destinations. We are not just after food. We also want to highlight and strengthen our sports tourism.” This statement reflects the broader regional focus on sports tourism as a key pillar for economic growth, job creation, and community development in Aurora.

The growing recognition of Baler and Aurora as sports tourism hubs is in line with a broader regional effort to promote Central Luzon as a diverse destination for both adventure and culture. As Aurora continues to host major sporting events, the area is poised to become a major player in the sports tourism circuit in the Philippines.

The Economic Impact of Sports Tourism on Aurora

The World Surf League event not only showcased Aurora’s surfing culture but also provided a significant economic boost to the region. The influx of athletes, spectators, and media generated economic activity for local businesses, including restaurants, accommodations, and tour operators. Local hotels saw an uptick in bookings, while nearby shops and service providers benefitted from the increased foot traffic.

Sports tourism continues to be a high-value tourism segment, with travelers spending on activities, lodging, meals, and local services. This type of tourism is especially beneficial for remote or less developed areas like Aurora, as it provides opportunities for economic diversification and long-term growth by attracting not just leisure travelers, but also business professionals, event organizers, and international sports teams.

Looking Ahead: The Future Growth of Sports Tourism in Aurora

Aurora’s sports tourism future is bright, with several high-profile events slated to take place over the next couple of years. In fact, the surfing competition has been instrumental in driving tourism and facilitating global visibility for the province. By capitalizing on its natural resources, cultural assets, and growing infrastructure, Aurora is poised to expand its sports tourism offerings, attracting more visitors and investors from around the world.

With sports tourism continuing to grow globally, Aurora can use its unique position as a surfing hotbed and outdoor adventure destination to carve out a niche market desirable to both the active tourist and those interested in immersive cultural experiences. Combining adventure sports such as surfing, along with sustainable tourism practices, assures that Aurora will be one of the desired destinations for this growing sector in sports tourism.