The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) wrapped up a successful Davao roadshow, highlighting the region’s adventure, dive and MICE tourism offerings.
The events included agent training and B2B sessions in both Sydney and Melbourne with 120 agents and industry specialists connecting with suppliers from Davao, including the City Government of Davao and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
Philippine Department of Tourism’s director, Pura Molintas, thanked the industry for the response to the roadshow events.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response to the roadshow events,” Molintas said.
“There is a strong appetite for education about the Philippines within the travel trade and we intend to continue to drive as much awareness as we can. Being able to personally connect with our valued industry partners was a real delight, and we thank them for their ongoing support.”
Known as the “fruit basket of the Philippines”, the tropical Davao region is home to a range of tourist destinations, including the highest mountain in the country, Mount Apo, and the world-renowned diving hotspot Samal Island. The region is also home to the rare Philippine eagle, with visitors able to learn more at the awarded Philippine Eagle Center.
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are all connected to Manila with non-stop flights aboard Qantas and Philippine Airlines as well as low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific Air, with connections onward to Davao offered by both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.
The Philippines continues to lure Australian tourists
The roadshow comes on the back of recent visitation data that revealed Australia has become the fifth biggest inbound market for the archipelago nation of 7,641 islands. In the year to September 2024, PDOT data shows 175,107 Australians visited the Philippines. In 2022, a total of 112,500 Australian residents returned from visits to the Philippines.
Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia Frasco, expressed her excitement over the increasing interest from Australian tourists.
“We are thrilled to see the Philippines becoming a top choice for Australian travellers. The Philippines offers an exceptional combination of breathtaking natural beauty, cultural experiences, and remarkable affordability, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a memorable yet budget-friendly holiday,” Garcia Frasco said.
“We warmly invite Australians to explore not only our pristine beaches but also our country’s vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and the renowned hospitality of the Filipino people.”
