WANDERLUST | The Davao Tourism Association (DATA) held its second edition of the Hospitality and Tourism Experience Conference (HTX) on October 28, 2025 at the Grand Regal Hotel, drawing industry leaders, educators, students, and budding tourism professionals to explore the future of sustainable hospitality.
Billed as the region’s premier tourism gathering, the event underscores Davao’s commitment to regenerative travel and community-driven growth.
“In last year’s HTX, we planted the seed – a platform where tourism leaders, innovators, change makers could share ideas, stories, and solutions. This year, we’re nurturing that seed as it grows, stronger, more connected, and more intentional,” said DATA president Nicole Nina Hao Bian-Ledesma.
She expounded that with this year’s theme, the industry is challenged “to go beyond business as usual”.
“It calls us to reimagine tourism not just as an industry but as an ecosystem – one that uplifts people, protects the planet, and preserves the stories that make Davao truly unique,” Bian-Ledesma added.
Department of Tourism XI regional director Tanya Rabat Tan supported DATA’s objectives for this years HTX.
“It also challenges us to rethink how we develop and deliver tourism experiences, ensuring that what we offer is not only memorable, but also meaningful and sustainable for our communities.
Tourism today is more than just sightseeing. It is really about connection,” Director Rabat-Tan said.
Adding more substance to the discussions, the lineup of guest panelists includes MAD Travel founder and advocate for regenerative eco-entrepreneurship Raf Dionisio, Philippine Tour Operators Association 1st Vice President Maria Lourdes Flor Japson, Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation Director of Leisure and Business Development Monica Lorenzo, Cebu Pacific Marketing Director Michelle Eve de Guzman, and Seda Hotels Mindanao Cluster General Manager Kennedy Kapulong, who shared their respective experiences and strategies in empowering the next generation of tourism innovators.
The HTX is split into two tracks: the Industry and Academe session themed “Designing Tomorrow’s Journeys: Innovating Experiences, Regenerating Communities,” and the Student Conference under “Next Gen Tourism: Experiences and Impact.”
A highlight of the day was the much-buzzed-about launch of the Davao Tourism Passport, designed to gamify exploration, encouraging visitors to rediscover Davao’s homegrown restaurants and retail shops, as well as hidden gems—from coffee and market tours to art and cultural hubs.
The Tourism Passport will afford holders to unlock exclusive perks like discounts, freebies, and access to local experiences. It will be available starting next month, for usage from January 1 to December 31, 2026. As the forum wrapped, HTX 2025 reaffirmed Davao’s significant role as the country’s tourism industry continues to grow.
With over 300 DATA members championing these initiatives, the conference not only celebrates progress but sets a roadmap for resilient, inclusive growth in the years ahead. via Ian Ray Garcia
