THE City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is expecting more than 200,000 tourists to visit Davao City for this year’s Duaw Davao celebration.
Kathryn Fabul, tourism operations officer and head of the Promotions and Branding Section of the CTOO, shared during the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, May 29, that they aim to exceed the 2024 target of 200,000 visitors.
“We are aiming for a higher number now, but if the situation changes, that's something we really cannot control. Let's see in the coming days,” Fabul said at the City Mayor’s Office.
She noted that while international tourist numbers remain modest, they are working to boost visits from both foreign travelers and local tourists from nearby cities, municipalities, and provinces.
Now in its second year, Duaw Davao is showing strong momentum, and the CTOO is optimistic about its continued growth.
Mary Grace Plata, a tourist specialist at the CTOO, added that tourist numbers are expected to climb even further as the city prepares for its 40th Kadayawan Festival—Davao’s peak tourist season—shortly after Duaw Davao.
Davao City hosts major events throughout the year: Araw ng Dabaw in the first quarter, Duaw Davao in the second, Kadayawan Festival in the third, and Pasko Fiesta in the fourth.
To ensure safety during the festival, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will deploy around 2,000 personnel for the duration of Duaw Davao, which will run from June 5 to 29, 2025.
The CTOO also announced two new additions to this year’s festivities: Definitely Davao: Tsokolate ug Kape Crawl and the Definitely Davao City Tour, both launching on June 5. Fan favorites such as the Reyna ng Davao pageant and the Pride Parade will also return, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
Davao City hosts major events throughout the year: Araw ng Dabaw in the first quarter, Duaw Davao in the second, Kadayawan Festival in the third, and Pasko Fiesta in the fourth. RGP