The Davao Tourism Association (Data) has officially launched the innovative Davao Tourist Passport, a first-of-its-kind tourism initiative in the Philippines designed to unlock a more immersive and rewarding travel experience across the Davao Region.
More Than a Souvenir: A Passport to Perks and Exploration
Unveiled during Data's year-end gathering on November 27, 2025, the passport is now available to both Dabawenyos and visiting travelers. Priced at P500, it grants holders access to a curated selection of discounts, exclusive promotions, and detailed travel guides for top destinations throughout the region. Data President Nicole Nina Hao Bian-Ledesma revealed that the digital preview of the passport generated massive online buzz, amassing an impressive 1.8 million views in just one week, signaling strong public interest.
Marissa Tionko, Data's Head of the Membership Committee, clarified the nature of the document. "It is not a political passport, it is not a legal document, but it is a passport to push our beloved Davao," she stated. The passport is a privately led tourism tool, not a government-issued document, created to revitalize the local travel sector by boosting visitor engagement and increasing foot traffic to partner establishments.
Discovering the Diversity of Davao Region
The Davao Region, anchored by the majestic Mt. Apo, offers a vast geography ranging from the highlands of Marilog to the coastal cities of Davao, Digos, Panabo, and Samal. The passport highlights must-visit attractions within Davao City, including the Philippine Eagle Center, the Davao Crocodile Park, the Malagos Garden Resort, and the Davao Bamboo Sanctuary. It also provides practical information by listing essential services like Central 911, the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and Davao Doctors Hospital.
The Department of Tourism-Davao Region (DOT-Davao) has expressed full support for the project, recognizing its potential to expand visitor circulation in one of the country's key economic and tourism hubs.
How to Get and Use Your Davao Tourist Passport
Functioning as both a perks booklet and a collectible souvenir, the passport allows guests to collect stamps at participating destinations, creating a personalized travel record. Holders also gain access to special prizes from Data partners. Each passport is registered to a single holder, is non-transferable, and is valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
Interested individuals can purchase the Davao Tourist Passport at accredited establishments or through Data's official Facebook page. Founded in 1974, Data is one of the Philippines' oldest private tourism networks, and through this new passport, it aims to strengthen the region's brand and reinvigorate the local travel economy for the next fifty years.
