Urbiztondo in San Juan, La Union, beckons once more surfers, beach lovers or plain sports spectators to this year’s Surfing Break from October 28 to 30. Launched in 2006, the event is going strong on its 11th year, successfully attracting varied markets from college students on semestral break to corporate team-building groups, families and buddies with interest in surfing.
“Surfing is one of the aqua-based activities that has lured locals and foreign tourists alike to the Philippines’s numerous surf destinations. La Union’s strong product offering is hinged on the reliable supply of affordable services of surf schools and shops and accommodation establishments conveniently located along the beach, on top of the good-quality waves 10 months a year from May to March. This is just one among the many offerings that strengthens our competitiveness for sports tourism,” Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo said.
“Now that surfing is officially an Olympic sport, this would augur well to further stimulate our local industry with the surge of interest to learn the sport and the determination to excel and compete in the world arena. More important, this development serves to support the sector’s viability and sustainability, which will redound to the community’s enhanced welfare,” the Department of Tourism (DOT) chief added.
“We intend to surpass last year’s participants of 12,000 for the three-day period. Our local and foreign guests are promised to get their money’s worth for the music, local arts and crafts, day tours and other fun activities. We are proud that the continued support for the event has sustained La Union’s position as the “Surfing and Active Lifestyle Holiday Destination of the Philippines,” DOT Region 1 Director Martin Valera enthused.