DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 14, 2013) – More than one million tourists have visited Davao, one of the most peaceful and progressive cities in the southern Philippines, state media reported.
The Philippine Information Agency, quoting the local tourism operations head, Jason Magnaye, said visitors have reached 1,075 last year – an increase by 45% as compared in 2011. At least 10% of the visitors were foreigners from South Korea, Japan, Australia and China among others.
Magnaye attributed the surge in visitor arrivals on increased flight destinations to Davao City from other areas as far as Puerto Princesa City in Palawan to Kalibo in Aklan province in the Visayas and Pampanga in Luzon. “More flights mean more visitors,” he said.
He said the opening of SM Mall also was a big factor, saying, its amenities such as the SMX convention center, drew various conferences, exhibits, conventions, and visitors from all over the country. Local festivals, such as the Araw ng Dabaw, also attract tourists.
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