Tourism is one of the fast-growing industries in the country today. Specifically for Davao Region, its comparative advantage lies in its natural and exotic sites, hence the thrust for promotion is on eco-tourism products such as Culture, Adventure and Nature, also known as CAN package.

Among the region’s provincial inventory of eco-tourism products, Davao Oriental has the highest number of products classified as Natural. The province boasts of diverse natural spots such as cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes and rivers, idyllic white-sand beaches, exotic islands, and lush forests. There are also cultural and historical sites such as the Cape of San Agustin, where  St. Francis Xavier was supposed to have said mass, and the 17th-century San Salvador Church of Caraga which houses antique bells and images of saints.

Back then, tourists were mostly local visitors coming from neighboring cities and provinces, “balikbayans”, visitors of some locales, participants in conventions and conferences, and others from other parts of the country who were simply enticed by the province’s natural attractions. Now, our visitors are mostly Filipinos, who either work abroad or are married to foreigners, who come to attend local festivities or gatherings such as homecoming and fiestas.

The rise in first-rate beach resorts and other developments also influenced the consistent influx of local tourist who come to the province to do business but stay in the province to pursue new experiences. For instance, surfing of skim boarding enthusiast travel to the City of Mati to test their skills against the waves of the world-famous Dahican Beach. Some drive free into the pristine waters of Pujada Bay. Others chase after magnificent waterfalls spread throughout the province.

All these are instrumental to the rising level of the provincial tourism industry.

The industry involves a broad mix of tourism-related operators who provide a wide range of services: travel arrangements and bookings; transportation facilities; hotels; resorts and homestays for accommodation; restaurants; entertainment, sports and other amenities; which in turn provide income, jobs, and investment opportunities.