Middle East Geopolitical Tensions Cast Shadow Over Davao City Tourism Industry
The escalating conflict in the Middle East, marked by recent ballistic missile strikes and military actions, is poised to significantly impact tourism in Davao City, according to a local tourism official. Willenito P. Tormis Jr., officer-in-charge of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), expressed concerns during the launch of new tourism circuits on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Flight Disruptions and Economic Ripples
Tormis acknowledged that ongoing flight cancellations stemming from the regional tensions could adversely affect tourist arrivals in the city. He emphasized close coordination with other government agencies to navigate the challenges. "Although tourism is within our control, the situation requires coordination with the national government and other agencies to ensure safety and smooth travel for visitors," Tormis stated.
The official highlighted that the conflict has already triggered fluctuations in airfare, largely driven by increasing fuel costs. "We recently coordinated with airline companies to caution travelers about potential increases in ticket prices," he said. "The priority is the safety of everyone, especially for those coming from affected areas like Qatar and Dubai."
Direct Flights and Regional Impact
Currently, the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also known as Davao International Airport, maintains direct flights to several international destinations:
- Singapore
- Qatar (Doha)
- Don Mueang (Bangkok)
- Hong Kong
Qatar, in particular, is directly impacted by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The country has shifted from its traditional mediator role to facing retaliatory military actions, leading to temporary airspace closures and major flight disruptions for Qatar Airways and other carriers.
New Tourism Circuits and International Outreach
Despite the challenges, Tormis emphasized Davao City's readiness to welcome tourists. "Davao has so much to offer. Despite the tensions, everything on our side is prepared to provide safe and memorable experiences for our visitors," he asserted.
The CTOO, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), recently unveiled new tourism circuits under the initiative "Suroy 'Ta." These curated travel routes aim to highlight the city's unique offerings:
- Abundant Harvest – Focusing on agricultural experiences
- Furusato Davao – Showcasing cultural heritage
- Davao City Food Crawl – Exploring the culinary scene
- Market Experience – Engaging with local markets
These circuits are designed to expand accredited sites and promote distinctive local experiences, from food tours to adventure activities. Tormis shared insights on international outreach, particularly targeting Japanese and Chinese markets. "We are targeting about two million visitors this year, and with these new circuits, we hope to attract more tourists from Japan," he said, noting ongoing dialogues regarding direct flights to Davao.
Preparing for Uncertainties and Historical Context
Tormis drew parallels between the current situation and the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. "Flights may be canceled, which directly affects tourism and the economy. But we continue to promote local travel options for Filipinos, so they can still experience Davao even if international flights are affected," he explained.
The rising cost of fuel and airfare remains a critical factor. "Planning ahead is key, and we encourage tourists to consider local flights and packages that make travel more affordable," Tormis advised.
Tourism Performance and Monitoring
Davao City has achieved significant tourism milestones in recent years:
- 2022: Over 850,000 tourist arrivals
- 2023: 1.2 million tourist arrivals
- 2024: Nearly 1.8 million tourist arrivals
This represents a total of 3.7 million tourist arrivals from 2022 to 2024. The DOT-Davao Region reported that the region welcomed 4.1 million tourists in 2024, generating P34.7 billion in tourism receipts. Top foreign markets include the United States, China, Japan, Korea, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Singapore, and Germany.
Meanwhile, the Davao City OFW Families' Welfare and Crisis Center is closely monitoring the Middle East situation following coordinated missile and air strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. The center has assured preparedness to assist families of Dabawenyos working overseas who may be affected by the conflict, offering 24/7 support through various communication channels.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has confirmed close monitoring of developments, emphasizing that the safety of over two million Filipinos in the Middle East remains his top priority.
Despite the uncertainties, Tormis remains hopeful for Davao City's tourism prospects. "We are optimistic. Davao is ready for anything. We are continuously improving our offerings, and there are plenty of experiences for visitors to enjoy safely," he concluded.
