AMERICANS were the top foreign visitors in Davao Region at 5,151 during the first quarter of 2019, according to the data obtained from the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office.
“[This is] probably because the region appeals to them and since tropical country tayo and of course itong Davao Region offers a lot of beautiful sites, it is a good destination talaga for foreign tourists. Especially for those who really want to enjoy the beaches and a lot of other offerings also,” DOT Regional Director Tanya Tan said in an interview with SunStar Davao Monday, July 8, 2019.
Chinese nationals come in second with 3,707, followed by Japanese with 3,222, Korean tourists next with 2,320, and Indians with 1,767.
Meanwhile, Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson said in a text message Monday, July 8 that American tourists were also the largest group who visited Davao City this year, followed by the Chinese and Japanese tourists.
“All investors start as tourists. However, we do not have data as yet if their purpose here in the city is for business or for pleasure,” Tecson said.
The region has a total of around 1.5 million domestic, foreign and overseas tourists in the first quarter of this year alone, an increase of 69.75 percent from the same period last year.
Tan said with Kadayawan Festival coming up next month, a lot more local and foreign tourists are expected to arrive in the city who might visit the nearby areas as well.
“We expect a lot of tourists visiting the city. I am sure that with the spread of activities that the city prepared for the celebration, I am sure na marami ang mag-patronize at bibisita na naman sa Davao,” she said.