Future Dabawenyo tourism leaders showcased their talent, creativity and hospitality excellence as the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) kick off the DC Tourism Olympics in celebration of the Tourism Month on September 30, 2026.
This year’s competition offers a wider range of challenges designed to develop students competencies in tourism operations, development and promotion.
Willenito P. Tormis Jr., head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), in his message, said that this year’s event captures the essence of Davao’s tourism industry, where Dabawenyos warmth and technical mastery turn every visitors visit into an unforgettable one.
“This year’s event captures the absolute essence of what makes Davao tourism industry worldclass. Skills in action represents the technical mastery, precision and excellence that every participant brings to the arena today. Warmth in motion reflects the heartbeat of Filipino hospitality, the authentic effortless care and the Dabawenyo warmth that turn every visitors experience into an unforgettable memory,” he said.
The competition brought together students from 15 institutions including Amya Polytechnic College (AMYAPCI), Brokenshire College, Davao Doctors College (DDC), DMMA College, Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), International Management School (IMS), JIB College of Business and Tourism (JIB-CBT), Jose Maria College (JMC), Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU), Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM), MATS College of Technology, National University (NU), Philippine Women’s College (PWC), University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) and University of Mindanao (UM).
Students were also tested across eight tourism aligned competitions covering tour guiding, tourism circuit development, tourism video creation, tourism brochure creation, travel photography, tourism investment pitch, event planning challenge and digital tourism marketing.
City Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz, delivered a message by Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Duterte said that the competition serves as a platform for aspiring tourism professionals to demonstrate their potential and gain valuable insights that will help them prepare for their future careers in the tourism industry.
“With the different competitions lined up today, we encourage our participants to embrace every challenge with confidence, determination and enthusiasm. Take this opportunity to not only showcase knowledge and skills but to also enjoy the experience form new connections and learn best practices from one another,” he said.
“As you take on the challenges ahead, remember that every experience is also an opportunity to learn, grow and gain valuable lessons that will prepare you for your chosen careers,” he added. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: K. Rallos