Melo Villareal
NUSTAR Resort Cebu Scores Major Win as Hotel of the Year for Sports Tourism
NUSTAR Resort Cebu has added another major accolade to its growing list of achievements after being named “Hotel of the Year” at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards on August 24, 2026.
From left to right: Charles Lim, Founder and Chairman, Sports Turismo Alliance (STA); Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Chairman of the National Sports Inter Agency Committee and Chairman, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Cristina Ong-Cruz, Director for Commercial Development, NUSTAR Resort Cebu; Daniel Kipping, Vice President for Commercial Sales, NUSTAR Resort Cebu; Apollo Noel Santos, Senior Public Relations Manager, NUSTAR Resort Cebu; Alexis Bernardo, Senior Manager for Business Development, NUSTAR Resort Cebu; Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary, Department of Tourism; and Benito Bengzon Jr., Vice President, Sports Turismo Alliance (STA). Manila, Philippines — NUSTAR Resort Cebu, the Philippines’ premier integrated resort destination in the Visayas and Mindanao, has been named “Hotel of the Year” at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, the awards ceremony recognized NUSTAR for its contributions to the development of sports tourism and its efforts to position Cebu as a destination where major sporting events and leisure experiences converge.
The award marks NUSTAR Resort Cebu’s first win at the Philippine Sports Tourism Awards, recognizing its growing involvement in hosting and supporting sporting events while providing athletes, teams, organizers, and spectators with a comprehensive hospitality experience.
A Major Win for Cebu Sports Tourism
NUSTAR has increasingly become part of Cebu’s evolving sports tourism landscape, offering more than accommodation for visitors attending sporting events.
The integrated resort combines hotels, dining, entertainment, shopping, leisure attractions, and event facilities, offering athletes and spectators a convenient destination experience throughout their stay.
According to NUSTAR Resort Cebu Chief Operating Officer Sean Knights, the recognition supports the resort’s broader ambition of putting Cebu on the international map as a premier sports tourism destination.
“We are very proud of this achievement, which further advances our vision of putting a global spotlight on Cebu and positioning it as a premier sports tourism destination,” Knights said.
He added that NUSTAR aims to become an integral part of the Cebu experience by creating memorable experiences across hospitality, entertainment, dining, and shopping.
For the resort, the award represents not only an achievement for NUSTAR but also a milestone for Cebu’s tourism industry.
NUSTAR Expands Its Sports Tourism Lineup
The recognition comes as NUSTAR continues to expand its calendar of sporting events and community-focused activities.
On August 23, 2026, the resort staged the first-ever NUSTAR Run, adding a new running event to its growing lineup of sports experiences.
The resort is also preparing for the return of the NUSTAR Dragon Boat Regatta, scheduled for September 19 to 20, 2026. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, the event is expected to welcome race teams from across the Philippines, as well as international participants.
The dragon boat competition adds another dimension to Cebu’s growing appeal among sports enthusiasts, event organizers, and travelers looking for experiences beyond traditional sightseeing.
Where Sports Meet Leisure
One of NUSTAR’s advantages as a sports tourism destination is its integrated resort setup.
Instead of simply serving as a place to stay, the destination brings together accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, retail, leisure activities, and event spaces in one location.
For visiting athletes and teams, this can provide a convenient base before and after competitions. Organizers can also benefit from having hospitality and event facilities within an integrated destination, while spectators have opportunities to extend their trip and explore more of Cebu.
The concept also reflects the changing nature of sports tourism, where competitions increasingly become part of a broader travel experience.
Visitors can attend an event, enjoy Cebu’s attractions, sample local and international cuisine, shop, relax, and spend additional time discovering the destination.
A Boost for Cebu as a Sports Destination
The Hotel of the Year recognition comes at a time when sports tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the Philippine travel landscape.
Major sporting events can attract athletes, families, supporters, organizers, and spectators who contribute to local tourism through hotel stays, dining, transportation, shopping, and other activities.
For Cebu, already one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations, the continued development of sports-related events offers another way to attract domestic and international visitors.
NUSTAR’s expanding sports event portfolio could further strengthen the connection between Cebu’s tourism infrastructure and its growing reputation as a venue for sporting competitions.
Celebrating Sports, Travel, and Cebu
The Philippine Sports Tourism Awards are an annual recognition program honoring individuals, organizations, and industry leaders contributing to the growth and development of sports tourism in the country.
NUSTAR Resort Cebu’s first Hotel of the Year award highlights how hospitality destinations can play a larger role in the sports tourism ecosystem.
As the resort continues to host sporting events and create new experiences for visitors, its latest recognition positions NUSTAR as one of the destinations helping shape Cebu’s future as a sports, leisure, and lifestyle hub.
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Read: REVIEW: NUSTAR Hotel Cebu
