In an exciting development for the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is embracing the burgeoning world of esports to captivate the interest of tourists. This groundbreaking partnership was cemented with a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DOT and MOONTON Games, a prominent gaming developer. The collaborative endeavor is geared towards orchestrating tours for both local and international enthusiasts converging on the M5 World Championship, a monumental event in the realm of esports.
M5 World Championship: The Epitome of Esports Excellence
M5, short for M5 World Championship, stands as the zenith of competitive Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports, attracting an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 participants hailing from all corners of the globe. As one of the premier markets for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the Philippines enjoys a prominent status in MLBB esports, making it an opportune moment to host this grand spectacle in Manila.
Logan Shaw, MOONTON Games Philippines Esports Head, underlined the significance of this event, stating, "The Philippines is one of the biggest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang markets and among the strongest regions in MLBB esports. It is prime time to host the M5 World Championship in Manila, and we are excited to bring local and global MLBB communities together in this memorable event."
Fusing Gaming and Tourism: A Trailblazing Initiative
The collaboration between DOT and MOONTON Games transcends conventional partnerships. Mae Elaine Bathan, DOT Chief of Staff and Undersecretary, emphasized that it is more than just an agreement; it's a movement that unites the worlds of gaming and tourism. The DOT has been playing an instrumental role in making the M5 hosting in Manila a reality by offering unwavering support in various facets such as accommodations, event venues, permits, travel documents, airport assistance, and tour facilitation, among other crucial elements.
Bathan stated, "As we embark on this journey, we invite the world to witness the thrill of M5 and likewise explore the breathtaking beauty of the Philippines as a premier tourist destination." This holistic approach aims to provide not only a thrilling esports experience but also an opportunity to explore the natural wonders and cultural richness that the Philippines has to offer.
Specialized Tour Packages for M5 Enthusiasts
Keith Medrano, MOONTON Games Regional Public Relations Manager, shared further insights into the partnership's forthcoming offerings. A microsite dedicated to providing specialized tour packages for M5 attendees will be launched as part of the DOT-MOONTON partnership. With M5 boasting the highest number of participating countries in any world championship, it is expected that fans from diverse corners of the globe, including Indonesia, North America, and the Middle East, will flock to Manila for this grand event.
Event Venue Details
For those planning to attend, here are the key details regarding the event venues:
- Group Stage and Knockout Stage 1: These segments of the M5 World Championship will be hosted at the EVM Convention Center in Quezon City from December 2 to 12.
- Grand Finals: The Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila will set the stage for the second knockout phase and the grand finals, taking place from December 15 to 17.
The fusion of esports and tourism is poised to elevate the Philippines to a new level of prominence, both as a competitive gaming hub and a world-class tourist destination. As the M5 World Championship approaches, the anticipation and excitement continue to mount, promising an exceptional experience for esports enthusiasts and tourists alike.
