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Davao City hailed as top PH travel destination

Lifestyle | Travel

Davao City hailed as top PH travel destination

World Travel Index report names best locations to visit

By Poch Eulalia

SERENITY NOW Calming river scenery at Baganga, Davao Region (Photo: Pexels)

SERENITY NOW Calming river scenery at Baganga, Davao Region (Photo: Pexels)

Davao City has taken the top spot in the April 2026 World Travel Index report. It is its second year in a row placing first.

Joining Davao in the list are Puerto Princesa at second place and Makati City placing third. Factors for the ranking include affordability, enjoyment, safety, and overall tourism experience. Davao scored a total of 88.38 in affordability, enjoyment at 62.09, 79.22 for safety, and 72.96 for overall tourism experience. It rounds up to a total score of 75.66. Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa and Makati City scored a total of 74.68 and 73.82.

According to an official statement by the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), this continued success is due to the support of tourism stakeholders in the city. "This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of our tourism and hospitality stakeholders, partners, and the entire community who continue to elevate Davao’s tourism landscape. Our heartfelt thanks as well to all travelers—both local and international—for choosing Davao City and making it part of your journey,” the statement reads.

Higher push for local travel

With gas prices still at an all-time high, some travel experts point out how domestic travel is likely to pop off in comparison to international travel. Reasons include the rising surcharge prices for airlines trying to keep up with oil prices. Currently, the Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board has fuel surcharge placed at level 18, putting international flight surcharge prices in the range of ₱1,958.44 to ₱14,561.87.

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