DAVAO CITY – This city recorded two million tourist arrivals in 2025 and a 17.38 percent increase in arrivals in March compared to the same month last year.

City Tourism Operations Office officer-in-charge Willenito P. Tormis Jr. said the sustained growth reflects increased traveler interest and the city's ongoing efforts to expand tourism offerings beyond traditional destinations.

Tormis said Davao's tourism strategy focuses on broadening visitor experiences while ensuring that local micro, small, and medium enterprises benefit from the influx of tourists through stronger exposure and new tourism products.

"Davao City has been rolling out additional tourism circuits and curated tours aimed at highlighting local establishments, particularly restaurants and small businesses that visitors may not widely recognize," Tormis said in a statement.

The CTOO said Davao City drew large crowds in major festival seasons in 2025 – Kadayawan Festival with 206,506 in August and Pasko Fiesta with 192,969 in December.

Monthly arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 showed steady movement, with 165,867 in January, 173,344 in February, and 186,131 in March that coincded with the Araw ng Dabaw celebration that resulted in higher foot traffic here.

Tormis confirmed preparations for Duaw Dabaw in June that will feature sports events, citywide promotional activities, and cultural presentations to further boost tourist arrivals, engage local communities, and promote the city to local and foreign visitors.

Councilor Myrna G. Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification and Committee on Trade and Industry, said the city's festivals continue to drive visitor traffic and economic activity.

During the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos Tuesday, Ortiz said that events such as Araw ng Dabaw helped sustain the upward trend in arrivals and upcoming festivals are expected to further strengthen tourism performance.

Ortiz noted that the city is preparing ahead for major annual events, including Duaw Dabaw, Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, and Pasko Fiesta, all of which are expected to attract more local and international tourists.

Early 2026 figures indicate continued growth, Ortiz said, with arrivals in the first two months going up by about 15 percent compared to the same period in 2025. February alone posted an 18 percent increase, signaling consistent momentum.

With continued festival-driven growth and expanding tourism programs, Ortiz said Davao City is aiming to sustain its position as one of the country's leading destinations for cultural, culinary, and urban tourism experiences.