La Union Gears Up for World Surf League International Pro Competition
LA UNION – The Philippine province of La Union is set to host the World Surf League (WSL) International Pro at Urbiztondo Beach, an event that promises significant benefits for local tourism and economy. The competition, scheduled for January 22 to 28, will attract around 250 professional surfers from the Philippines and various countries worldwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, this marks the second consecutive year La Union has hosted the WSL. This year’s event will focus on the International Pro Qualifying Series and the Long Board Tour. The provincial government has collaborated with the United Philippines Surfing Association, the municipality of San Juan, the Department of Tourism, and other stakeholders to ensure the event’s success.
Competitors from France, Indonesia, Japan, Sweden, Taiwan, and Thailand will challenge Filipino surfers. The event is set to commence with an opening ceremony on January 22 at the Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach Hostel. “It is an honor for us as it looks like La Union is a very viable destination for this activity, viable for economic growth and to be visited by international tourists,” Dimaculangan stated.
Last year’s WSL event, held from January 20 to 26, 2023, drew 17,976 tourists to the province. During that period, over 200 accommodation establishments in San Juan town were fully booked, with some tourists extending to the neighboring town of Bacnotan and San Fernando City. “Restaurants were also full at that time and we are expecting the same or more for this year’s competition,” Dimaculangan added.
The provincial government is also ensuring peace and order during the international competition, with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies coordinating, as well as the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
La Union hopes that hosting the competition will further establish the province as a ‘partner and destination’ for international tournaments. Apart from surfing, La Union offers other tourist attractions and activities, including Tangadan Falls, grape-picking, and historical architectural sites.