Davao — The city's tourism sector has hit the ground running in 2026, recording a robust 19 percent growth in tourist arrivals during the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Between January and March, the city welcomed 525,342 visitors, a performance that highlights the city's increasing appeal as a premier destination for travelers. While the momentum saw a slight stabilization in April—growing by 6.37 percent—the city maintains a strong overall trajectory, boasting a 15 percent total increase in arrivals for the first four months of the year.
Driving Growth Through MICE and Innovation
City Tourism Operations OIC Willenito Tormis attributes this impressive surge primarily to the city’s active MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibits) industry, which continues to attract a steady stream of business and professional travelers. Out of the total arrivals recorded through April, the vast majority were domestic travelers (647,258), complemented by 30,937 foreign visitors and 8,769 Overseas Filipinos. To sustain this momentum, the city is preparing to launch exciting new initiatives, including the digital version of the "Davao Tourist Passport." This upcoming mobile application, developed through a partnership with the Japanese Government’s Smart JAMP program, aims to make travel promotions and curated packages significantly more accessible to visitors starting this August.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
The path to growth has not been without its hurdles; the city has navigated the economic impact of the global oil crisis, which had threatened to dampen April arrival numbers, as well as the rescheduling of events following the June 8 earthquake. Despite these challenges, city officials remain optimistic about the upcoming calendar, particularly with the highly anticipated Duaw Davao Festival and the renowned Kadayawan Festival approaching in August. Currently, the city government is working closely with the Office of the City Building Official and the City Engineer’s Office to ensure all venues for the Duaw Davao activities are fully inspected and cleared, prioritizing safety while preparing to welcome an even larger influx of tourists. With a proactive approach to venue calibration and a commitment to digital innovation, Davao City is well-positioned to exceed its growth targets for the remainder of the year.
