Tourists planning a trip to the Davao region now have a tool that can give them more in-depth information about the region’s destinations, culture and delicacies.

This is the KulToura Philippine travel guide app, a project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with support from PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications and InnoPub Media.

The KulToura app was unveiled during the opening ceremonies for the National Heritage Month celebration at SM Annex in Davao City. Present at the event were NCCA chair and National Artist Virgilio Almario; Davao City administrator Attorney Zuleika Lopez; Smart Visayas-Mindanao public affairs head Maria Jane Paredes and community partnerships head Darwin Flores; and InnoPub Media cofounder Max Limpag, among other representatives.

“In the face of globalization and rapid technological advancements, it is crucial that we devote efforts for the preservation and promotion of our historical traditions and cultural heritage, for these are part of who we are as Filipinos,” said Lopez, who spoke on behalf of mayor Sara Duterte, during the launch. “Today we witnessed the launching of the KulToura app, which brings historical, cultural and tourism information right at our fingertips.”

The KulToura app features information provided by NCCA on heritage sites, historic schools and churches, nature parks, popular attractions, famous landmarks and other must-see places in the Davao Region, such as the Mount Hamiguitan range wildlife sanctuary, the Caraga church, and the Davao Museum, and other parts of the country.

It also contains colorful details of the history of selected cities and provinces, including their famous personalities, delicacies, and other interesting trivia.

“The KulToura app aims to give both tourists and students a better appreciation of Philippine culture and heritage. By featuring the Davao Region and other parts of the country in the app, we hope to invite more travelers to explore our beautiful destinations while learning about the stories behind these places,” said Almario.

Initially designed as an aid for tourists, KulToura is also a handy resource for students. The comprehensive information found on the app can help them gain a better understanding of the rich culture and history of the country.

“We are happy to help promote tourism in the Davao Region through the KulToura app,” said Flores. “With this app, mobile users can have access to various tourism information and services and explore more places like never before.”

Available as a free download for Android and iOS devices, the app is continuously being updated to provide more relevant content and encourage travelers to explore the country.

To enhance the tourist experience, Smart will also install interactive markers with quick response (QR) codes and NFC (near-field communications) chips at selected tourist and heritage destinations in the region to enable access to additional travel information.

“Our mobile phones are our constant travel companion. It serves as our messaging device, camera, map, and tour guide. With this program, important historical, cultural and heritage information are now more widely available through mobile devices,” said InnoPub Media cofounder Max Limpag.

The KulToura app and the tourist markers are part of the digital tourism program launched by InnoPub and Smart in 2012 in partnership with local government units. The program aims to harness mobile technology to promote tourism and the preservation of cultural and heritage sites. It has been implemented in locations such as Albay, Baguio, Bohol, Cebu, Dapitan, Davao City, and Iloilo.

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