The City Tourism Operations Office said during the 38th Kadayawan Festival Media Launch on Monday that it is expecting 180,000- 200,000 tourist arrivals for the Kadayawan.
“We wanted to make it grand and we are also ambitious with our figures. Last year, the entire month of August (had) 120,000 so this year we will be hitting a minimum 180,000-200,000, and if it will reach more than 200,000 that’s a good number already for this year,” CTOO Officer-In-Charge Jennifer Romero said in a press briefing.
Romero said that they are preparing promotional materials that will be posted through digital platforms to entice foreign tourists.
“We are really preparing all our materials because I believe that the effective way to communicate and to promote our event is through the digital platforms,” Romero said, adding that she also encourages stakeholders to promote the event through the said platforms.
Another form of promotion is the TikTok Challenge, also launched Monday, which entails the dancing of the 38th Kadayawan Festival Official Theme Song ‘Kada-Kadayawan’ Sung by Maan Chua and Neil Llanes. The simple and danceable TikTok steps were also shown during the Media Launch, which was aired live for the public to see.
Romero said that they have joined the ‘digital fad’ as their way of promoting and cascading promotions for the Kadayawan.
Romero said that they are optimistic about the influx of visitors and they are banking on balikbayans, and people living outside the city who will come and visit Davao with their families and friends in time for Kadayawan.
She added that the CTOO is closely coordinating with the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association of the City for the status of occupancy of hotels and other types of accommodation.
“Based on inventory sa atong data banking sa (on our data banking at) City Tourism Office, we have a strong 4,400 available rooms all over Davao so that includes big hotels, small hotels, self-styled accommodation, and dormitels,” Romero said, adding this number will be available for use during the entire Kadayawan for this year.
Ms. Gene C. Bangayan, Co-Chairperson of the Davao City Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Board, said during the press conference that based on past experience other visitors and guests may also opt to avail of homestays this year.
She said that tourists may also stay in Samal Island and also areas far from the city center.
“We are confident that we can accommodate the influx of tourists and visitors this Kadayawan,” Bangayan said.
The 38th Kadayawan Festival, with the theme of ‘Colors of Abundance, Vibrance of Diversity, Festival of Festivals’, will run from August 10-20 2023.
The complete Calendar of Kadayawan events is posted on https://www.facebook.com/TheKadayawanFestival, the Official Page of the 38th Kadayawan Festival. CIO
