Developer hits perfect tee in Davao City

By Nathalie Grace AdalidInquirer Resea

June 29, 2024 12:00:00

Davao City is a top-of-mind destination for tourists, professionals, and investors wanting to experience the captivating mix of urban and rural life. Its charms lie in its economic vibrancy, natural attractions, and supportive business environment.

Often referred to by several nicknames and titles such as “Jewel of the South”, “King City of the South”, “Crown Jewel of Mindanao”, “Durian Capital of the Philippines”, “Chocolate Capital of the Philippines” and, most recently, “Convention Capital of the South,” Davao City today is a picture of vibrancy, particularly in terms of tourism.

Tourism events

A gateway to southeastern Philippines, Davao City has garnered prominence for holding a variety of tourism conventions and events.

One of the famous tourism events in the city is the Kadayawan Festival held every August in Davao City. It is famed for its grand celebrations such as street dancing, floral float parade, cultural festivities, street parties, and concerts.

In 2019, Kadayawan registered the highest number of visitors for the festival. The City Tourism Operations Office recorded 250,000 visitors. Since then, the festivity has not been properly celebrated due to the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, however the local government had aimed to have at least 250,000 visitors at the Kadayawan celebration.

MICE destination

Also in 2023, the Meetings, Incentive Travel and Conventions and Exhibitions Conference (MICECon), the country’s largest gathering of tourism experts and professionals whose work influenced the direction of the industry’s development, was hosted at Davao’s SMX Convention Center.

Over 600 participants from the tourism and business events sectors attended the three-day conference, which focused on the emergence of “bleisure,” or the combination of business and leisure travel experiences in Davao City.

In the conference, Davao City became an ideal example of the country’s bleisure destinations with its varied cultural and entertainment offerings for business travelers. The city also features pristine beaches, amazing dive spots, an abundance of flora and fauna, the freshest and highest quality produce, and delicious cuisine.

The increase in total tourist arrivals in Davao City during the first quarter was attributed to the MICECon. During this time, 661 MICE-related bookings were recorded. This equates to 105,297 MICE participants out of the 340,128 total visitor arrivals.

Facilities

As one of the leading MICE destinations, Davao City has the infrastructure, facilities, and services that can offer tourists, professionals, and investors a glimpse into the city’s flourishing tourism industry.

In particular, Davao City already has modern and well-equipped convention centers and venues that enhance its capability as a MICE destination. These include the Davao Convention Center, Enderun Tent Azuela Cove, and SMX Convention Center.

Top class accommodations

Davao City also offers a variety of accommodations and services—from simple and inexpensive inns and dormitels to top-class accommodations like resorts and hotels, which cater to the diverse needs of travelers.

In terms of luxurious accommodations that offer the natural beauty of Davao City, Rancho Palos Verdes, with its Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, and the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates are choice spots to stay in for both bleisure and pure leisure activities.

South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates is a premium leisure development where members can enjoy a golf and country club, and a beach. It is notable for its Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole golf course, which overlooks the picturesque Mt. Apo and a portion of the Davao Gulf Sea. The cool weather and scenic views serve as a perfect antidote to the complexities of the city.

Meanwhile, Rancho Palos Verdes is a one-of-a-kind, exclusive residential and 18-hole championship golf project in booming Davao City. It is the finest grand-scale development project of its sort in the South, built in collaboration with world-class golf project designer Andy Dye. Palos Verdes will offer magnificence living by the fairway, enabling residents to immerse themselves in life’s joys on the green.

On Aug. 7 to 9, 2024, the South Pacific Golf Club, together with the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, will host the Sta. Lucia Golf Tour in Davao City. This event will not only return to pre-pandemic levels, but will be bigger than ever before, with a tour of Manila and Cebu.

Source: Inquirer Archives, invest.davaocity.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, davaocity.gov.ph, stalucialand.com.ph, mirror.pia.gov.ph, micecon.ph

South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates is a premium leisure development where members can enjoy a golf and country club, and a beach. (https://stalucialand.com.ph) Rancho Palos Verdes is a one-of-a-kind, exclusive residential and 18-hole championship golf project in booming Davao City. (https://stalucialand.com.ph)