Fifteen colleges and universities gathered at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center on September 30, 2026, for the 2nd Davao City Tourism Olympics. Organized by the Davao City Tourism Operations Office to mark Tourism Month, the competition tested aspiring tourism professionals across eight distinct operational and promotional categories.
The event expanded its competitive roster from its inaugural outing a year prior at Rogen Inn. Students tackled challenges spanning tour guiding, tourism circuit development, video and brochure creation, travel photography, tourism investment pitching, event planning, and digital tourism marketing.
Expanding Competencies in Davao City Tourism Operations
City Tourism Operations Office head Willenito P. Tormis Jr. framed the competition around the intersection of technical skill and cultural presentation. Tormis described how the challenges capture the essence of the local sector. Skills in action represent technical mastery and precision, while warmth in motion reflects the heartbeat of Filipino hospitality and Dabawenyo warmth.
City Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz delivered an address on behalf of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, encouraging participants to treat the challenges as practical preparation for their careers. Duterte’s message emphasized that the gathering serves as a platform to exchange ideas, form new connections, and learn industry best practices.
Fifteen Participating Institutions Face Eight Categories
The competing students represented a broad cross-section of academic programs. The 15 participating schools include:
- Amya Polytechnic College
- Brokenshire College
- Davao Doctors College
- DMMA College
- Holy Cross of Davao College
- International Management School
- JIB College of Business and Tourism
- Jose Maria College
- Lyceum of the Philippines University
- Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao
- MATS College of Technology
- National University
- Philippine Women’s College
- University of Immaculate Conception
- University of Mindanao
Competitors completed eight separate tracks designed to simulate real-world demands in tourism operations, development, and promotion.
Davao City Tourism Olympics 2026 event details
When and where was the 2nd Davao City Tourism Olympics held?
The event took place on September 30, 2026, at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center.
Who organized the annual competition?
The Davao City Tourism Operations Office organized the event as part of the city’s Tourism Month celebrations.
How many schools competed in the 2026 event compared to the launch?
Fifteen colleges and universities participated in the 2nd installment, following the launch event held one year prior at Rogen Inn.