DAVAO CITY — Davao City is drawing more visitors, with tourist arrivals up by 10.85 percent as of September 2026. The significant increase underscores the city’s growing pull as an emerging tourist hub in the country, reflecting a strong rebound in the local travel sector.
A Surging Destination
According to the City Tourism Operations Office report, the city welcomed 1,632,597 tourist arrivals from January to September 2026. This figure marks a substantial rise from the 1,470,696 recorded during the same period in 2025 and the 1,312,385 arrivals posted in 2024.
The steady year-on-year growth demonstrates the city's resilience and its ability to attract a diverse range of travelers. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant urban attractions, Davao continues to offer compelling reasons for both local and foreign visitors to explore its offerings.
The Heart of Dabawenyo Hospitality
City Tourism Operations Office Head Willenito P. Tormis Jr. emphasized that this development shows Davao City is truly thriving. He noted that while the city is pushing to make its sights and landmarks known globally, the warmth of the people remains its greatest asset.
The unique hospitality of Dabawenyos is a major driver of the city's continuous development. Visitors often cite the genuine friendliness and welcoming nature of the locals as a primary reason for returning, creating a highly memorable and deeply personal travel experience for everyone.
The city's tourism campaigns heavily leverage this authentic charm. By focusing on the everyday smiles and helpful nature of the residents, Davao creates a distinctive brand that separates it from other highly commercialized destinations in the archipelago.
Competing on the Global Stage
The rise in tourist arrivals also demonstrates that Davao City is well-prepared to compete globally. Tormis added that this growth signals the city's readiness to welcome more international visitors and take its rightful place on the highly competitive world tourism stage.
The local government continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and tourism programs to support this influx. Upgraded airport facilities and improved accessibility within the region ensure that both domestic and foreign travelers can navigate the city with utmost convenience, safety, and comfort.
Sustaining the Momentum
Maintaining this upward trajectory requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors. Local businesses are encouraged to innovate their services while preserving the cultural integrity that makes Davao unique, ensuring a sustainable and highly inclusive tourism ecosystem.
As the year draws to a close, tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about surpassing previous annual records. With a robust lineup of festivals and events planned for the coming months, Davao City is poised to solidify its status as a premier destination in Mindanao.
