by Aravella A. Quimbo, DSSC Intern
DAVAO CITY — Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, the president of Davao Tourism Association, representing the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and the private sector expressed her full support for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival 2025, the city’s grandest celebration, happening this August in Davao City.
Ledesma said that they are supporting the festival through a series of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, showcasing local culture, and stimulating economic activity in the city.
As early as the start of 2025, the tourism industry began preparing for the Kadayawan Festival, recognizing its huge draw for local and international visitors.
“The tourism industry has really been prepared for Kadayawan, even at the very start of the year, because we all know this is really the biggest festival. Our operations are now in full swing. Hotels have started releasing their various promos to attract tourist to attend the festival. The travel and tourism sector has also developed new tourism products or tours that we can offer to our guests,” she said.
In anticipation of the tourist influx, hotels will launched a special promos, while the travel and tourism sector has introduced new cultural experiences to enrich visitor or even local’s engagement.
Ledesma highlighted the two major additions to this year’s tourism offerings for kadayawan festival: the Palengke Tour or Market Tour which highlights the abundance of fresh produce, fruits, and traditional food in Davao City. And the Chocolate, Coffee and Cacao Tour a flavorful journey through Davao’s award-winning cacao and coffee farms, showcasing the locally produced chocolates and coffee beans recognized both locally and internationally.
To support these efforts, local restaurants are also preparing food deals and discount programs to encourage both tourists and locals to dine out.
One key initiative is the “Kaontabay” Food Discount Card, spearheaded by the Davao Tourism Association and with the JCI Partnerships, which grants discounts at 40 homegrown partner restaurants in Davao City for the entire month of August 2025.
Aside from promoting economic activity, Ledesma emphasized that Kadayawan is a celebration of Davao’s cultural identity, through the representation of its 11 tribes.
Moreover, discounts, promos, and event schedules will be accessible through the websites and social media pages of each partner restaurant such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. In addition, there will be a Food Bazaar located at the back of Rizal Bolton St. extension.
