The Philippines will wear its “puso” (heart) on its proverbial sleeve as it hosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 with the backing of the national government, through the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The DOT will give fans reasons to love the Philippines by marrying world-class basketball with world-class experiences in 15 destinations through travel packages available from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

“We see the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 as an opportunity to, first and foremost, re-introduce the Philippines to the world on the strength of its natural assets, award-winning destinations, and cities on the rise,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said at the official launch of the Philippine tour packages for international and local basketball fans at the DOT Office in Makati City on July 25.

“This is also the time for Filipinos to come together to support the Philippine team, as well as a chance for citizens of the world to remember their sense of nationhood,” she added.

While the action gets going in the world meet to be played at Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, tourism experiences to Bacolod, Batangas, Bohol, Boracay, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos Norte and Sur, Iloilo, La Union, Manila, Palawan, Pampanga, and Tagaytay promise to give a taste of colorful and wonderful Filipino culture.

Several travel packages to go “from courtside to paradise” are already available at discoverphilippines.travel with credit cards, Maya, and GrabPay as payment options.

This is much in line with both the FIBA Local Organizing Committee and DOT’s aim of sharing the Philippines’ love for basketball and life with the whole world.

“We see these efforts are not only for love of sport, but we also see the value of their contribution to tourism,” DOT Undersecretary and organizing committee chair Elaine Bathan said. “This is aligned with the direction of DOT to introduce the Philippines as a sports hub and venue for many other sports and sporting events.”

Tickets to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 games are available at ticketnet.com.ph for Smart Araneta Coliseum and smtickets.com for SM Mall of Asia Arena. (PNA)