THE NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI reported a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the region in the first three quarters of 2023.
During a press conference held at the NEDA XI office in Bangkal on Jan. 30, regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said the arrivals from January to October surged by 47%, or a total of 2,326,455, against the figures for the same period in 2022.
“The increase was attributed to Davao Region’s hosting of various international and national events, such as the Philippines Mines Conference and the Ironman 70.3 event, as well as the Philippine Experience Campaign in Davao, which highlighted top destinations, local culture, heritage, and arts,” Lim added.
The tourism receipts, or the value created from tourism activities or spending, reached over P23 million, translating to an increase of 135% increase in tourist spending during the same period in 2022.
“It is clear that 2023 was a year of robust economic activity and investments,” Lim added.
Meanwhile, Major General Allan D Hambala, the commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to the peace and order situation in the Davao Region.
“The flourishing tourism in the region is a clear manifestation that tourists are confident in the peace and order situation in the Davao Region. We, along with other stakeholders of the 10ID, encouraged our tourists to come, visit, and experience firsthand the generally peaceful Region XI,” Hambala added.
Lim also presented the Public Order and Security Outlook for 2024, which includes the sustainment operations of the 10ID in preventing the resurgence of the Communist Terrorist Group and recovery efforts in all cleared areas under the 10ID area of responsibility.
