70,000 tourists expected during Kadayawan

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) in Davao Region said it is expecting to surpass its target of 70,000 tourist arrivals in Davao City during the month-long celebration of 27th Kadayawan Festival.

DOT regional director Art Boncato, during Friday's opening of 27th Kadayawan Festival at the People's Park, lauded the Davao City Government for extending this year's celebration.

"The local government (Davao City) planned it well to add more weeks, so that travelers will be given more time to go to the city," he said.

This year also has added more activities such as cuisine of indigenous peoples (IP), wherein IPs will be preparing their own specialty dishes.

Many of the domestic travelers are on a "short notice," once they have secured tickets they will fly right away to the city, he added.

He said this year's opening of the festival is a grand and colorful way of celebrating culture and bounty.

"Kadayawan, as already branded itself, is known as Davao activity," he said.

He added that even during the week-long business mission to Japan on June 20 to 30, along with delegates from Davao, there were two Japanese tour operators who were making inquiries about the festival.

"They are sending two Japanese groups to witness the festival," he said.

Boncato said the local government must also reach out more travelers, even those Filipinos living abroad.