DAVAO — The Davao Tourist Passport has transformed from a simple booklet into a powerful mobile application, thanks to a partnership between the Japanese government, a Tokyo tech startup, and the local tourism association. The new digital app is poised to revolutionize how visitors explore and experience the city.
A New Era of Digital Tourism
The launch was made possible through Japan’s Smart JAMP initiative, which supports smart-city technology across ASEAN. The app is developed by SchemeVerge, a Tokyo-based urban engineering startup, using its Horai Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform. This technology aggregates various transportation options and tourism services into a single, user-friendly interface.
Chikage Oogi, Japan’s Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, attended the launch online. She emphasized the project’s goal to solve urban challenges, such as traffic management and event planning, through innovative technology. The app represents a tangible outcome of that collaboration, blending tourism promotion with practical city planning tools.
Features Designed for the Modern Traveler
The Davao Digital Tourist Passport offers a wide array of features aimed at making travel easier and more engaging. Users can access interactive tourism maps and personalized trip recommendations. A key feature is its digital coupon system, which allows users to redeem discounts at over 60 participating merchants and attractions across the city.
Beyond promotions, the app facilitates smart mobility and booking integration. It provides direct channels for communicating with partner establishments, enhancing the tourist experience. The platform is designed to be a comprehensive tool, ensuring every aspect of a visitor’s journey is supported.
A Tool for City Planning and Growth
The app serves a purpose beyond tourism; it is a powerful data-gathering tool for the local government. Tatsuki Yamanami, CEO of SchemeVerge, noted that the app can provide valuable insights into tourist movement and mobility patterns. This data will directly support Davao City’s urban planning and traffic management efforts.
Specifically, the data will be integrated into the city’s upcoming High Priority Bus System (HPBS), also known as the Davao Bus Project. By understanding where tourists travel, the city can optimize bus routes and improve overall transportation efficiency. This dual-purpose design—serving both visitors and planners—makes the project particularly noteworthy.
Building on a Proven Model
SchemeVerge’s Horai platform has already seen success in Japanese cities like Tokyo, Setouchi, and Ise. In those locations, the app helped increase tourist mobility and boosted local economies through digital coupons. The company is now aiming to replicate that success in Davao City.
The current launch is a soft opening, with plans to expand the number of participating merchants over time. The project is initially a one-year pilot funded by Japan, with hopes that Davao City will sustain and grow the platform independently. For now, it stands as a prime example of international cooperation for smart, sustainable tourism.
