On July 11, Friday, at SM Lanang, the Department of Tourism Region XI launched the Davao Cacao and Coffee Tours during the PEP Talks press forum. These tours highlight the region’s thriving cacao and coffee industries, adding excitement to its tourism offerings.
With experiential travel trending, where visitors seek authentic connections through engaging activities, these tours are a timely response to meet these novel demands.
“We’re gaining strength in our cacao and coffee industries, earning national and global recognition. But our coffee and cacao have deeper stories waiting to be told,” said DOT Region XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, who initiated the launch. “There’s more to the cup of coffee served in local cafes or the bite of Davao’s award-winning chocolates. We want visitors to personally meet our farmers and indigenous communities and learn their stories.”
“The Department of Agriculture views Davao as a hub for high-value crops like cacao and coffee. Beyond commodities, these crops tell stories of hard work and economic impact,” said DA Region XI Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann Magno Constantino.
Davao, declared the Chocolate Capital (Davao City) and Cacao Capital (Davao Region) in 2021 via Republic Act No. 11547, produces 80% of the Philippines’ cacao. Renowned for high-quality Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa coffee, Davao meets robust local and global demand.
“As the top cacao producer and second-largest coffee producer in the country, it’s time to raise awareness of our farming communities among tourists,” said DA Region XI Regional Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann Magno Constantino.
To further amplify accessibility, Cebu Pacific (CEB)—the Philippines’ leading carrier—offers extensive connectivity to Davao, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore these new tourism circuits. CEB operates 10 daily flights between Davao and Manila, 3 daily flights from Cebu, and daily or weekly flights from other key cities such as Bacolod, Bohol, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, and Zamboanga. For international tourists, CEB also flies thrice weekly to Davao from Bangkok and Hong Kong. Overall, CEB connects travelers to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations—a testament to Davao’s growing accessibility.
Beyond agriculture, these industries are becoming tourism assets. Curated by Cybercribs Trips and Tours Travel Services, CES Travel and Tours, and E-Travel Host and Tours, the tours offer educational experiences, showcasing the journey from bean to brew and the cultural significance of these crops.
"One of our strategic goals is to expand tourism circuits and offerings, and these tours are one approach to achieving it. There are more opportunities to expand these tours to other parts of the region, especially untapped areas but with great potential," said Regional Director Tan.
Davao Region Cacao Industry Council President Dante Muyco Jr. and Davao Regional Coffee Council representative Gerome Sumagaysay also participated in the press launch.
The Davao Cacao and Coffee Tours aim to boost tourism by offering hands-on experiences while fostering economic growth and cultural pride among local farming communities.