The Department of Tourism-Davao Region (DOT 11) is promoting agriculture and food production through the recent launch of Davao Cacao and Coffee Tours, which highlight Davao Region’s thriving cacao and coffee industries, adding excitement to its tourism offerings.
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.
“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 11 Regional Director Tanya Rabat Tan, who initiated the launch during PEP Talks at SM Lanang Premier.
Tan underscored that 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,” she added.
Besides showcasing the thriving and internationally acclaimed cacao and coffee industries of Davao Region, the tours also aim to promote educational and immersive coffee and cacao experiences through curated tour packages and to further diversify and enrich the tourism offerings of the region by integrating agritourism experiences.
Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) Technical Director for Operations Marie Ann Magno Constantino said the DA 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,” she said.
In 2021, Davao was declared the Chocolate Capital (Davao City) and Cacao Capital (Davao Region) 2021 through Republic Act No. 11547, as it produces 80% of the Philippines’ cacao.
Davao is also renowned for high-quality Arabica, Robusta, and Excelsa coffee.
“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 Constantino.
The tours, which are curated by Cybercribs Trips and Tours Travel Services, CES Travel and Tours, and E-Travel Host and Tours, offer educational experiences, showcasing the journey from bean to brew and the cultural significance of these crops.
According to Tan, one of the strategic goals of DOT 11 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,” she said.
