The Philippines volleyball show tourism push

Article posted by Coliseum, March 27^th, 2024

Image: FIVB

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Volleyball World have announced the selection of the Philippines as the host country for the highly anticipated FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025. The event is scheduled to take place from September 12^th-28^th and will bring together the world’s top 32 volleyball teams vying for the championship title.

‘fivb.com’ stated that the Philippines emerged as the successful bidder amidst an extremely competitive field of potential hosts. The final decision was made following a rigorous evaluation process where the FIVB and Volleyball World found the Philippine bid to be particularly strong with its emphasis on ensuring a continued growth of the event and the country’s commitment to the development of volleyball globally.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), together with its National Federations, is the sole global volleyball regulatory body responsible for all forms of volleyball and its development. With its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIVB works closely with all stakeholders of the global Volleyball Family to promote and develop the sport worldwide.

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Established in 1947, the FIVB is committed to supporting the growth of the national teams and the athletes across the globe through world-leading development programs like Volleyball Empowerment. The FIVB is part of the Olympic Movement, contributing to the success of the Olympic Games.

Lausanne (Switzerland)-based the Volleyball World is a new partnership between the FIVB and the private equity company CVC Capital Partners aimed at driving growth, innovation and investment in volleyball around the globe. Its goal is to create an integrated ecosystem connecting all the volleyball stakeholders (fans, athletes, corporate partners) together through both digital and live events.

The Volleyball World is responsible for the commercial operation of key volleyball and beach volleyball international events, including: The World Championships, the Volleyball Nations League, the Olympic Qualifiers, and the Beach Pro Tour.

The CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) Capital Partners is a private equity and investment advisory firm based in Luxembourg. Founded in 1981, the company has over 20 offices and 300 employees across the United States, Europe and Asia. The CVC manages funds for over 300 investors from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The company has approximately US$155 billion in assets under management and €157 billion in secured commitments.

The FIVB Volleyball Men’s Nations League is an annual international volleyball competition contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), the sport’s global governing body.

The Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour is an annual international beach volleyball circuit that features the best athletes in the world. The FIVB organizes the tour, which has three levels of events: Elite 16, Challenge and Futures. The tour travels across the globe, showcases the best of beach volleyball action and is open to pairs from all over the world.

The 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship will be the 21st staging of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the FIVB. It will be hosted by the Philippines.

‘fivb.com’ quoted Dr. Ary S. Graça Filho, FIVB President, as stating, “This prestigious event will not only inspire a new generation of athletes but will also help to encourage increased participation in sport at all levels in the country and the wider region. We are confident that the Philippines, supported by our innovative Volleyball Empowerment program, will host an extraordinary World Championship that will leave a lasting legacy and help to cultivate an even brighter future for our sport globally.”

The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program is a collection of 846 projects that aim to professionalize volleyball and empower the athletes. The program was launched in 2021 as an evolution of the Projects Platform and has invested tens of millions of dollars into these projects. The projects are divided into three categories: Knowledge transfer, volleyball equipment and coach support.

Exulted Finn Taylor, head honcho, Volleyball World, “It is with great excitement that we announce the Philippines as the host for the Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025. This decision underscores our dedication to expanding volleyball’s global footprint and engaging with the fans worldwide. The Philippines, with its proven track record of hosting major volleyball events and a passionate fan base, is well-positioned to deliver an exceptional championship that will showcase the best of the sport.”

The Philippine bid was led by the country’s Government. The collaboration between the key executives, several administrative departments, the country’s Secretary of Tourism, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), and the private stakeholders played a pivotal role in securing the bid and demonstrating the country’s readiness to host a world-class sporting event.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), also known as the Volleyball Philippines, is the national governing body for volleyball in the Philippines. With a vision to elevate Philippine volleyball to new heights, the PNVF is focused on ensuring the sustainability of volleyball programs across all stakeholder groups.

Put in Pia Cayetano, Senator of the Philippines, “Our successful bid to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship further reinforces our country’s track record in staging world-class events. With the support and commitment of both our Government and the private sector, we can be certain that it will be a fantastic spectacle. As a former national volleyball athlete myself, I am excited that the highest level of men’s volleyball competition will be staged in our very own country, to a nation that loves the sport with passion. We get to bring this international competition to the Philippines, for the Filipino people to witness it first-hand. It has been my personal advocacy to make sports more accessible, especially to our youth. We also have the honor of welcoming the 32 teams as well as a global audience where they can experience world-renowned Filipino hospitality and colorful Filipino culture.”

Added Cayetano, “I have always believed that sports can transform the communities and change lives. It has the power to bring together a country and the other nations. This is one of those opportunities. Our country is a volleyball-loving country. And it is with great pleasure that we welcome the FIVB and the Volleyball World to the Philippines.”

As part of the event, the Philippines’ Secretary of Tourism will integrate the ‘LOVE THE Philippines’ promotional campaign, highlighting the country’s beauty and hospitality to a global audience. This campaign will serve as a key element in promoting the Philippines not only as the host of the Volleyball Men’s World Championship but also as a premier tourist destination.

Commented Christina Frasco, Tourism Secretary, the Philippines, “The Philippines’ hosting of this global volleyball event bolsters our sports tourism portfolio, driving economic growth, highlighting the country’s diverse array of tourism offerings that promise a truly unforgettable Philippine Experience. We are eager to showcase to the international volleyball community the many reasons to Love the Philippines: From our award-winning destinations, our mega biodiversity, our deep well of culture and heritage, the tapestry of traditions and talents across our islands, and the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. We reiterate the Department of Tourism’s full support and commitment to ensure the successful hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s Championship in 2025.”

Concluded Ramon Suzara, PNVF President, “If there is one thing that we, Filipinos, can do well, it is to equally give every team the best conditions so that they can fully focus on the competition and the championship trophy, to make them feel at home right in our own home. For this, I am ready, our team is ready, and the Philippines is ready to boldly face the challenge and to fulfill the dream, as we work collectively to serve volleyball. If you love volleyball then you will surely love the Philippines. See you all in 2025!”

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