Davao City welcomes over 1.8 million tourists in 2024

DAVAO CITY — The city has experienced a notable surge in tourism, with over 1.8 million visitors recorded in 2024, a significant increase from the 1.2 million tourists in 2023.

Jennifer Romero, Head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTTO), shared this exciting news during last Thursday’s I-Speak media forum.

She also mentioned that plans are already underway for upcoming events, with schedules being prepared to allow tourists to book their flights in advance for the Kadayawan celebration.

It’s important to note that the tourist arrival figures released by Romero are based solely on visitors staying in accredited accommodations. She explained, “Tourists who stay with family or in unaccredited establishments are not included in our count.”

Romero also indicated that the CTTO aims to enhance the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector in Davao City. “We are collaborating with the private sector to attract MICE conventions,” she added.

Romero expressed optimism about the city potentially reaching 2.5 million visitors this year, stating, “We have stabilized our events in the city.”

“We plan to revisit the MICE incentives, working together with the City Government, the Department of Tourism, and tourism stakeholders,” she added.

The Kadayawan Festival in August was highlighted as the peak tourist event for the year, attracting 190,068 visitors, followed closely by December, which welcomed 178,555 tourists.

She elaborated on the offerings for MICE participants, including welcome dancers and performances at the airport for groups upon arrival, as well as dedicated reception desk staff to assist them.

Moreover, she revealed that the Department of Tourism in the Davao Region is developing a Regional Tourism Development Plan to promote sustainable tourism growth.

“Following this, we will update our Davao City Local Tourism Development Plan. While we don’t want to change our approach completely, we recognize the need to reinvent our strategies to promote new destinations in Davao City,” Romero stated.

As air connectivity plays a vital role in tourism, the air connectivity council is also actively working to enhance transportation links to the city, further supporting the growth of Davao’s tourism sector.