Philippines’ Davao City Plans Community-Based Tourism Expansion Under New CTOO Leadership

Davao City is about to undergo an exciting transformation, as its newly appointed Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Willenito P. Tormis, has identified community-based tourism as a key driver of the city’s tourism growth. Tormis hopes to expand the local tourism offering by showcasing new destinations that provide visitors with an authentic experience of Davao’s culture, people, and scenic beauty. As the tourism industry recovers, Tormis’ leadership is expected to bring new perspectives on how to improve the city’s tourism infrastructure while remaining deeply rooted in local communities.

Expanding Davao’s Tourism Circuits

Tormis has highlighted the underexplored potential of Davao, emphasizing that there are still many undiscovered gems within the city that can attract both local and international tourists. His approach is not just to bring more people to Davao but to take Davao’s communities to the forefront of the tourism experience. This strategy aims to offer new tourism circuits and tours, designed to engage travellers with fresh, unique experiences.

The focus will be on crafting tourism circuits that are not only enriching for visitors but also beneficial to the communities that will play a pivotal role in these initiatives. The idea is to ensure that tourists experience the beauty of Davao through the lens of its local culture, immersing themselves in the way of life of the city’s diverse communities. By offering experiences that are not just about visiting but also about connecting with locals, the CTOO envisions a sustainable tourism model where both the visitors and the residents mutually benefit.

Vision for Community-Based Tourism

One of Tormis’s key visions for Davao’s tourism is the creation of a specialized unit within the City Tourism Operations Office dedicated to community-based tourism. This unit will work to facilitate the development of new tourism offerings in remote areas of Davao, ensuring that even the most secluded communities benefit from tourism. Tormis has emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it requires continuous development to make community-based tourism a success. The city’s tourism development will not be a one-time project but a long-term commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and empowering communities.

The focus on community-based tourism is meant to enable local residents to directly benefit from the influx of tourists. By providing communities with the tools they need to accommodate visitors—such as tourism centres, public restrooms, and other essential facilities—the city aims to create a welcoming environment that fosters positive interactions between tourists and locals. These steps will be vital in ensuring that tourism remains sustainable, ethical, and beneficial for everyone involved.

Improving Facilities and Infrastructure in Remote Areas

Under Tormis’s leadership, a key priority will be the improvement of facilities and infrastructure in Davao’s remote tourism destinations. Many of these areas, while naturally beautiful, lack the basic amenities required to receive tourists comfortably. There is a need for essential facilities such as proper restrooms, tourism centres, and receiving areas to enhance the tourist experience. Tormis has expressed his commitment to addressing these gaps by prioritizing the construction of such facilities in remote areas.

The development of these facilities will not only improve the overall visitor experience but will also contribute to the local economy. By providing jobs for community members during the construction phase and through the operation of these facilities, the initiative will offer sustainable economic opportunities for local residents. Tormis has made it clear that this development will be done gradually, with continuous consultation with community members to ensure that their needs and desires are met.

Consultations with Local Communities

Tormis has also emphasized the importance of involving local communities in the decision-making process. His plan is to consult directly with the people who live and work in Davao’s tourism hotspots to understand what assistance they need to develop their tourism potential. This inclusive approach ensures that the tourism development process is collaborative and that it genuinely benefits the local population.

Understanding the challenges and opportunities from the community’s perspective is key to creating an effective tourism strategy. Tormis believes that this engagement will help the city to design tourism programmes that align with the community’s values, culture, and long-term goals. By empowering communities to take charge of their own tourism experiences, Davao City will create a more sustainable and authentic tourism model.

Department of Tourism Accreditation

In addition to improving local facilities, Davao City plans to work closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to secure accreditation for community-based tourism sites. This accreditation will be vital in ensuring that the city’s remote tourism areas meet the high standards required for official recognition. Through this process, Davao aims to increase its appeal as a premier tourism destination, attracting more visitors who seek out unique, culturally rich experiences.

The accreditation process will also serve to raise the profile of community-based tourism in Davao, positioning the city as a leader in this growing sector. With support from the DOT, Davao will be able to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both tourists and the communities they visit.

A Long-Term Vision for Davao Tourism

Tormis’ vision for Davao tourism extends beyond increasing the city’s visitor numbers. His emphasis on community-based tourism aims to make a long-term impact on the city’s tourism landscape by ensuring that tourism development is inclusive, sustainable, and culturally enriching. With new tourism circuits, improved infrastructure, and a focus on empowering local communities, Davao City is positioning itself as a destination that provides its residents with both unique experiences and tangible benefits.

As the city grows under Tormis’ leadership, Davao is likely to see an influx of new tourists eager to discover its hidden gems and vibrant culture. The success of community-based tourism will be dependent on the local population’s continued participation and the city’s commitment to improving tourism facilities and services. With careful planning and collaboration, Davao’s tourism industry has the potential for significant growth, with long-term benefits for both the city and its residents.