Bacolod City Set To Host Philippine Sports Expo 2026, Boosting Sports Tourism In The Philippines

Published on November 24, 2025

With its cultural diversity and exuberant celebrations, Bacolod City, has placed itself on the sports tourism map by revealing that it would be the venue for the very first Philippine Sports Expo (PSE) in April 2026. The local administration, under the leadership of Mayor Greg Gasataya, is enthusiastic about transforming the establishment of the event into a win-win scenario for all, the athletes, the local enterprises, and the tourism sector.

The event, which is set to attract over 15,000 participants and visitors from across the country, is expected to have a significant economic impact. The Philippine Sports Expo, designed as a platform for the discovery and development of young talent, will feature more than 17 sports disciplines. It promises to transform Bacolod into a vibrant sports hub, offering various opportunities for both locals and tourists to engage in the excitement of sports competitions.

A Strategic Move for Bacolod’s Sports Tourism

Bacolod City is quickly becoming recognised as a regional sports capital, boasting a competitive edge due to its accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and a deep-rooted sports culture. In a statement, event director Rachelle Villarosa shared that Bacolod is an ideal host city for the expo, citing these attributes. The combination of well-established facilities, robust support systems, and a welcoming community will make the event a success and, more importantly, a cornerstone for future sports tourism in the region.

Tourism and economic experts project that the PSE will serve as a massive boost for Bacolod’s local economy. Accommodation providers, food services, transport companies, expo suppliers, and even local micro-enterprises are expected to benefit from the influx of thousands of visitors. The local tourism board and government officials believe that such events will increase the city’s visibility as a sports destination and provide long-term growth prospects for the tourism sector.

The Department of Tourism and the Philippine Sports Commission have both expressed their support for the event, recognising its potential to elevate Bacolod’s reputation in sports tourism. By hosting major sports events like the PSE and the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Youth Games, the region is set to become a key player in the Philippines’ broader sports tourism industry.

A Platform for Young Athletes and the Next Generation of Sports Stars

Designed to discover and nurture new sporting talents, the Philippine Sports Expo will see an estimated 7,500 young athletes compete in a variety of sports. These disciplines range from traditional favourites like basketball, volleyball, and swimming, to newer and emerging sports like pickleball, e-sports, and skateboarding. The event is a valuable opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage and receive recognition, as well as mentoring from industry experts.

Bacolod’s unique sporting facilities will play a major role in accommodating the various competitions. One of the standout features of the event will be the skateboarding competition, which will be held at Barangay Vista Alegre’s newly built covered skate park and multi-purpose sports centre. The venue, which also houses a basketball court, will serve as a prime location for this exciting event, drawing the attention of both sports enthusiasts and casual spectators.

Moreover, with sports like boxing, taekwondo, weightlifting and arnis on the roster, visitors will be treated to a full spectrum of competitive events, showcasing the depth and diversity of Filipino athletes. The PSE will help to cultivate the next generation of Negrense and Bacolodnon athletes while elevating the region’s sporting culture.

Boosting Local Economy and Strengthening Sports Business Ecosystem

The Philippine Sports Expo will provide a platform not only for athletes but also for local businesses to thrive. With thousands of visitors expected, the event will open up opportunities for local entrepreneurs to tap into the growing sports tourism market. From sports equipment suppliers and apparel retailers to local food vendors and hospitality services, businesses across Bacolod will benefit from the increase in demand during the event.

Local officials are hopeful that the expo will serve as a launchpad for long-term growth in the region’s sports sector. Rachelle Villarosa pointed out that beyond the immediate economic boost, the event is expected to strengthen sports tourism in the region and create more sustainable opportunities for local businesses to grow.

The impact on the local economy will not just be felt during the event itself. As the region’s reputation as a sports hub grows, so too will its potential to host even larger events in the future, which could continue to attract sports enthusiasts and tourists alike.

A Sports Tourism Legacy for the Philippines

Bacolod’s hosting of the Philippine Sports Expo 2026 is set to be a significant milestone in the city’s journey to becoming a premier sports destination in the Philippines. The event will not only provide a platform for showcasing athletic talent but also create lasting economic and tourism benefits for the region.

The Philippine Sports Expo, by drawing in both local and international athletes and visitors, could greatly enhance Bacolod’s status as a sports tourism center. It is a great step forward that will not only promote national pride but also contribute to economic growth in the region while preparing the ground for more such high-profile events to take place in the future. With the Philippines’ sports tourism sector on the rise, Bacolod’s triumph in organizing the PSE might serve as a template for other cities that want to embrace the economic and tourism growth that comes with sports events.