DAVAO CITY- CNN Travel has recently listed Davao City as one of Asia’s Top 18 underrated travel destinations.
This was based on the response from CNN Travel’s network of colleagues and contributors.
Joining Davao City in the list included Jaffna (Sri Lanka), Ipoh (Malaysia), Leshan (China), Skardu (Pakistan), Dalat (Vietnam), Nikko (Japan), Isaan (China), Palau Ubin (Singapore), Meghalaya (India), the country of Bangladesh, Samosir Island (Indonesia), Pakse (Laos), Kenting (Taiwan), Lan Ha Bay (Vietnam), Gogunsan Islands (South Korea) Banteay Chhmar (Cambodia), Tengchong (China).
The CNN article cited the Roxas Night Market with its barbecue and grilled seafood. The pungent durians as well as pineapples and bananas. Also mentioned was the Kadayawan Festival, where the city takes pride in its indigenous roots. Samal Island with its pristine beaches and pearl farms which is a ferry ride away was also cited as one of Davao’s top draws.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office OIC Jennifer Romero said the inclusion of Davao City in the list is a positive sign for the tourism sector. However, she said being underrated is also a challenge and a call for the industry to move forward with initiatives to make the city as a well-known travel destination.
“ We need to push for Davao City and Davao Region to really push for our tourism initiatives so that the time will come that our foreign visitors and even locals will come and tourism arrivals will increase and we will no longer be underrated,” Romero said.
Among these initiatives is the holding of the 2023 MICE Convention (MICECon) slated on March 1-3 next year. The MICECon is one of the biggest gatherings of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events (MICE) players in the country. The three-day event is part of Davao City’s programs to achieve its goal as one of the top MICE destinations not just in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia. (PIA/RG Alama)
