Encouraged by the overwhelming success of the 2025 Southeast Asian Volleyball League, Candon City Mayor Eric Singson has officially announced the city’s intention to host the AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026, scheduled from June 6 to 13 next year. The announcement marks a bold next step in Candon’s emerging sports tourism initiative centered around high-level volleyball.

Volleyball tourism gains momentum in Ilocos Sur

Singson confirmed the plans during a press conference with PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara on Saturday at Hotel Van Gogh Candon. He emphasized how the SEA V.League’s reception exceeded expectations and brought a new appreciation for international-caliber competition to Ilocos Sur.

“Our people here enjoy the matches a lot,” Singson said. “They’re shouting, which we’ve never heard before. The people are seeing the game at a new level… a high standard of competition.”

With fans flocking to the Candon City Arena, which had previously hosted domestic basketball and volleyball leagues, the success of the Southeast Asian Volleyball League marks the city’s first international-level sports event.

Singson now aims to capitalize on this enthusiasm, coining a new initiative called “volleyball tourism” to position Candon as a regular host of international volleyball competitions.

From SEA V.League to AVC Nations Cup: a next-level commitment

Suzara, who heads both the PNVF and the Asian Volleyball Confederation, fully backed Singson’s initiative, highlighting the rising potential for regional tourism linked with volleyball events.

“There are tourist packages now being promoted. Imagine fans from other countries coming to watch the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship,” said Suzara. “Same with bringing international volleyball to Candon City—this is in line with our new slogan of ‘volleyball tourism.’”

From hosting five nations in the SEA V.League, Candon City now sets its sights on welcoming 12 nations in the AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026. Singson is confident that the city’s experience with the SEA event has laid the groundwork for a seamless hosting upgrade.

“We are learning the ropes,” he said. “The SEA V.League is our start. We’re using it to gain experience and confidence.”

Ahead of the AVC Women’s Nations Cup 2026, Candon is also coordinating with the PNVF to host a training camp for one of the teams competing in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, set for September 12–28 at the Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena.

Though the formal letter of intent is still being submitted, Candon City is widely expected to secure the AVC hosting rights with no other cities currently challenging for the bid.