CLARK FREEPORT -- Some 509,328 tourists have visited Clark in 2018, with the Freeport being a preferred location for various events.

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism and Promotions Division, in a report to CDC President-CEO Noel F. Manankil, stated that the 200 various events that were held here in 2018 prompted the influx of tourists and guests in this Freeport.

These include 43 running events that generated 49,303 tourists, three festivals with 71,221 attendees, 14 spectators’ events with 50,094 participants.

Also, some 19 biking, duathlon and triathlon activities generated 23,817 participants and 148 other events comprising the use of open spaces attracted an additional 314,893 tourists, the report to Manankil said.

The numbers indicate an upsurge compared to the numbers of tourists in 2017, which was recorded at 284,189 generated from 115 events.

Some of the major events that were held here last year are Trinx Bikes World record event that attempted to break the Guinness World Record for longest single line of bicycle parade and was attended by 4,999 bikers from different parts of the country, the Pinas Cup 2018 participated by 115 football teams.

These also include the 6th Clark Festival and the re-opening of the lifestyle weekend market Comercio Central that features authentic local dishes and products which generates an estimated foot traffic of 25,000 guests per day.

Tourist generated by hotels and other events were not included in the reports gathered by TPD.