BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA AND LEE JOSHUA L. SARDOMA / DNSC Interns
TOURIST arrivals in Davao City rose slightly month-to-month from January to February this year.
During the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on April 14, Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chair of the committee on tourism and beautification, said visitor receipts increased by 4.51% from the 165,867 in January to 173,344 in February.
Philippine residents accounted for the majority of visitors, rising from 154,794 to 163,010, while foreign nationals slightly grew from 8,182 to 8,229.
Meanwhile, overseas Filipino workers slightly declined from 2,891 to 2,105.
“The increase was driven by successful major events, stronger tourism promotions, and sustained collaboration among the City Government, the City Tourism Operations Office, and stakeholders,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz added that figures indicate that Davao City’s tourism industry is steadily recovering and remains on track for sustained growth in 2026.
Meanwhile, officials addressed concerns about the Araw ng Dabaw celebration being linked to political exposure.
“Actually, dili man nato ma-ingon na it’s pamolitika or to give a platform. It so happened that the celebration was month-long, unlike before. The culmination used to be March 16, but this year it was moved to the 28th and only coincided with the birthday of FPRRD,” Ortiz explained.
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado also clarified that the invitation of political figures was not intended for political gain, but to allow them to experience and take part in the celebration.
