Davao City greets 1.8 million tourists in 2024, eyes 2.5 million in 2025

Davao City welcomed 1.8 million visitors in 2024, marking a significant rebound from the pandemic and setting the stage for a higher tourism target of 2.5 million in 2025, local officials said on Wednesday.

The City Information Office reported a 50-percent surge in arrivals from the 850,000 recorded in 2022, continuing a steady recovery that saw 1.2 million tourists in 2023. Over the past three years, a total of 3.7 million visitors have explored Mindanao’s largest urban center.

City Tourism Operations Office (CTTO) head Jennifer Romero credited the growth to successful tourism campaigns and high-profile events such as the Kadayawan Festival and Pasko Fiesta, which drew both domestic and international crowds.

“Our efforts to promote Davao as a MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] hub have paid off,” Romero said. “We hosted 23 major conventions in 2024 alone, and we’re optimistic about sustaining that momentum this year.”

Romero also highlighted the rise of eco-tourism in the city’s outlying districts. Areas like Marilog and Paquibato contributed nearly 20 percent of total tourist arrivals, thanks to new developments and nature-based attractions. Three more ecotourism sites are scheduled to open by September 2025 as part of the city’s sustainability initiatives.

Tourism in the wider Davao Region also posted strong gains, with the Department of Tourism reporting 4.1 million arrivals in 2024, translating to PHP34.7 billion in revenue.

The United States remained the city’s top foreign source market, accounting for 28 percent of international visitors, followed by China at 19 percent, and Japan and South Korea at a combined 15 percent.

“With improved air connectivity, growing ecotourism offerings, and a thriving events calendar, Davao City is poised for another strong year in tourism,” Romero said.