Factors in choosing Davao City as a tourist destination

Abstract

Tourism is an important sector to a place or destination; it gives benefits to local community itself. However, tourism success may vary on the number of tourists’ arrival and tourists’ satisfaction to a certain destination. Thus, it is important to know the factors to know in choosing Davao City as a tourist destination. In this study the number of respondents is 385 tourists and their responses served as the needed data for the study. The researchers use an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) questionnaire that served as their research instrument, ANOVA, Frequency Count, Mean, Percentage and t-Test treated the said data statistically. The findings of the study are presented as follows: Majority of the respondents are female tourists, and tourists age range from 18 to 23; the respondents strongly agree that Natural Attraction and Accessibility is a motivational factor in choosing Davao City as a tourist destination specifically visiting beaches in IGACOS (Island Garden City of Samal), and the affordable fares and accommodation of the city. The result of the study found five factors namely, Historical and Cultural Structure, Cultural Activities, Natural Attraction, Food Tourism and Accessibility motivate tourists on their decision making process in choosing Davao City as a tourist destination. The researchers hereby recommend that to improve the experience in island hopping in IGACOS for the tourist satisfaction and find more local food to offer to the tourists’, and improve contacts to taxi services and study on fares and accommodation rates to be fair with the travelers.

Keywords: motivation, factors, tourist destination