- City’s posts strongest H1 showing since pandemic
DAVAO City posted 1,045,854 tourist arrivals from January to June 2026, marking an 11.70% increase over the same period last year, according to data from the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO).
CTOO said the figure represents the city’s strongest first-half tourism performance since the pandemic.
The first-half figures are up significantly from the 936,474 recorded during January-June 2025 and the 816,477 arrivals posted in January-June 2024.
Domestic travelers accounted for the bulk of arrivals at 989,241, followed by foreign tourists at 44,424 and overseas Filipinos at 12,189.
CTOO monthly data showed arrivals climbing steadily through the first quarter, with January posting 165,867 arrivals (up 18.07% year-on-year), February recording 173,344 (up 22.06%), and March logging 186,131 (up 17.38%).
Meanwhile, growth slowed down in the second quarter with April posting 161,532 arrivals, a 6.37% increase from 2025, and May recorded 174,911 arrivals, up 3.38 percent.
June 2026 closed out the first half with 184,069 arrivals, a 5.55% year-on-year rise.
The CTOO attributed the sustained growth to continued interest in Davao’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality. The increase in visitors translated into business for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and small and medium enterprises across the city.
CTOO said the city aims to surpass its pre-pandemic tourist arrival levels, citing the first-half 2026 performance as a sign of progress.
“Davao City’s goal remains clear: to bring Davao back to its pre-pandemic tourist arrival numbers and reach even greater heights. And with this strong start to 2026, we know we are moving in the right direction,” CTOO said.
Photo CTOO
