Davao-Darwin sisterhood to promote tourism in both cities

The forging of a sisterhood agreement between Davao City and Darwin City can be mutually beneficial to the tourism industry of both sectors as this is a complementary resource between the two cities.

“I am hoping to meet with some officials from Darwin City to possibly discuss the proposed sisterhood agreement between the two cities,” councilor Rachel Zozobrado said before she left for Darwin, Australia as part of the delegation sent by the city for the Arafura Games. She said while the primary reason for going to Darwin is the Arafura Games she will also try to follow up with the Australian official who met with her in Davao prior to the Darwin trip to discuss the sisterhood agreement.

Zozobrado said Darwin in Northern Territory is known for its mining and tourism industry. But more than anything else, she said, it is the tourism sector which the two cities can explore since it is very feasible. At least 8% of Darwin’s residents are employed by the tourism sector and the city is gearing up for a major tourism boost both for domestic and international tourism.

Like Davao City which is proud of its Kadayawan Festival, she said, Darwin too has its own festival—the Darwin Festival. Tourism is a big thing for both cities and perhaps we can encourage exchange visits among our people to promote the tourism of both cities.

Zozobrado said that like Davao City, Darwin also has lots of beaches that offer unpolluted swimming to both locals and tourists. Sports is also another complementary area among the two cities. Darwin, she said, has been hosting the Arafura Games every two years since 1991 with the exception of the year 2003 when there was a SARS outbreak.