Local tourism officials are betting big on golf tourism to boost Davao City’s global appeal, particularly for Japanese and Korean travelers.

Gene Bangayan, co-chairperson of the Davao MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) Board, said that golf packages are now being marketed in Japan and South Korea. These packages combine sightseeing activities with golf, making them highly attractive for East Asian tourists.

She explained that Japanese and Korean visitors prefer golf when traveling abroad because it is more expensive to play in their home countries. Davao City, with its lush courses and lower playing costs, provides a competitive edge. Officials have already submitted proposed golf tourism packages to the Department of Tourism for further promotion.

Boosting Davao tourism with sports and leisure packages

Bangayan added that golf is a key extension of the city’s tourism programs. Packages not only attract foreign attendees but also encourage them to stay longer, which benefits hotels, restaurants, and related industries. She noted that initial interest has already been observed and coordination with the Department of Tourism continues.

Tourism officials also highlight that Davao offers three 18-hole golf courses: Apo Golf and Country Club in Bago Aplaya, South Pacific Golf Club in Catalunan Pequeño, and Rancho Palos Verdes in Mandug. Just two hours away, Mati City in Davao Oriental features a nine-hole course at the Don Paco Rocamora Golf and Country Club in Dahican.

DOT-Davao Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan emphasized that Davao has a strong potential to become a golf destination. She confirmed that tour operators are already designing golf-focused packages aimed at both international and domestic markets.

Philippine Golf Experience boosts nationwide promotion

The local golf initiative aligns with the Department of Tourism’s recently launched Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) program. Introduced in Clark, Pampanga, on August 29, the GolfEx campaign integrates golf into the country’s national tourism strategy.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that the Philippines, with its tropical landscapes, vibrant culture, and more than a hundred golf courses, has all the qualities of a world-class golf destination. She noted that golf tourism has the potential to bring in high-value travelers who are willing to spend more on leisure.

Davao officials are confident that by tapping into this market, the city will not only increase tourist arrivals but also strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure. The push for golf tourism is expected to create new business opportunities while contributing to sustainable tourism development in Mindanao.

By Jaja Agpalo