DAVAO CITY - The Davao Travel Agencies Association is looking at Thailand’s successful tourism model for insights on how to make Davao a more attractive and sustainable tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

During the two-day familiarization tour in Pattaya on Aug. 19 and 20, DTAA officials and members observed how Thailand integrates nature, culture, and commerce into single attractions that draw visitors in large numbers.

DTAA Inc. President Gian Caguiat said Davao can adopt a similar approach by highlighting its indigenous plants and wildlife, such as the Philippine Eagle, instead of attempting large-scale projects it cannot yet sustain.

“You see plants, animals, food, and shopping all in one place that’s why tourists flocked in Thailand. In Davao, we may not have a huge facility like their huge garden, but we can replicate it in smaller ways by featuring what is unique to us," Caguiat said.

While DTAA has long supported airlines and hotels in promoting Davao, Caguiat said challenges remain in attracting inbound tourists. He admitted that Davao is often a “hard sell” compared to its Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) neighbors.

“Since the creation of DTAA, we have worked with airlines like Cebu Pacific, filling up flights to sustain operations. But the challenge is that Davao still has very little to offer in terms of attractions. Our hotels are expensive compared to other countries,” he said.

He noted that while outbound travel remains strong, inbound tourism struggles to keep pace. “Since the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area started, Philippines, particularly Davao, still lags behind."

Caguiat said that partnerships with airlines, local governments, and foreign travel associations play a key role in expanding Davao’s reach. He added that even if foreign operators are open to collaboration with them, selling Davao is still difficult.

"The group builds ties with overseas tour operators, but converting that interest into actual tourist visits is still a challenge. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is doing a good job in promotion, but we need more attractions on the ground,” the DTAA president said.

He said that Davao City's strong safety and security facilities, such as its active Central 911 system, remain underutilized in tourism campaigns. "We are the only city in the Philippines who have 911, why not use that. Let our visitors have fun."

Caguiat said another big hurdle facing travel agencies in Davao is infrastructure gaps, particularly in air connectivity and airport facilities. He said that the Davao airport has been left behind in terms of convenience and facilities.

The DTAA said practices in Thailand present both inspiration and challenge as Davao positions itself to compete with its ASEAN neighbors in the years ahead. "If Davao wants to compete internationally, we need to address these concerns in the tourism."

Among the sites visited on Tuesday were the Laser Buddha, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya Floating Market, Gems Gallery, Erawadee Herb Shop, and Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, which reflected the city’s mix of natural, cultural, and commercial attractions.

The group toured the J-Park Sri Racha Nihon Mura, Honeybee Farm, Latex Exhibition Center, and Jurassic World: The Experience at Asiatique The Riverfront Destination in Bangkok the next day.