THE Philippines continues to rise as an emerging gastronomy hub as the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) announces that it will host the 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the Philippines’ selection as host of this prestigious event affirms the country’s status as the perfect setting for global exchanges on food, culture, and sustainable gastronomy tourism.
“The Philippines is the perfect venue for the 2026 UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum — where the world can gather to share, taste, and celebrate food as a bridge between cultures. More importantly, this recognition places our country at the forefront of global gastronomy and sustainable tourism,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“Our 7,641 islands are blessed not only with incredible natural beauty but with a culinary heritage that reflects the heart and soul of the Filipino — creative, diverse, and resilient. Through gastronomy, we invite the world to experience the love of our people and the richness of our story.”
The 10th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will convene global leaders, chefs, innovators, and advocates from more than 150 countries to advance dialogue and cooperation on food tourism as a driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗯
Secretary Frasco noted that the hosting reflects the country’s growing reputation as a culinary destination of global distinction, following the successful visit of the Michelin Guide to the Philippines, which spotlighted Filipino chefs and restaurants on the world stage.
The Secretary also emphasized that this global recognition builds on the DOT’s sustained efforts to develop gastronomy tourism as a pillar of the country’s tourism strategy, as encapsulated in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028.
In 2024, the Philippines, through the DOT, made history by hosting the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu, which culminated in the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development.
In highlighting the role of gastronomy in tourism growth, the DOT noted that food and beverage experiences are among the key drivers of visitor spending and cultural engagement in the country. Based on the 2024 Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA), food and beverage services accounted for 8.04% of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA), and comprised 17.1% of inbound tourism expenditure — demonstrating that travelers highly value Filipino cuisine as part of their journey. Tourism also continues to generate livelihood, with 6.75 million Filipinos employed in tourism-related industries in 2024, representing 13.8% of total national employment, many of whom are part of the food, culinary, and hospitality sectors.
“From the first regional gastronomy forum in Cebu to our partnership with Michelin and the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine, our message remains clear — food is not only a feast for the palate but also a force for empowerment and sustainability,” Secretary Frasco added.
“Hosting the World Gastronomy Forum in 2026 is a testament to how the Philippines continues to rise as a leader in showcasing the power of food to drive tourism.”
𝗨𝗡 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀’ 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺
In a letter addressed to Secretary Frasco, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili formally confirmed acceptance of the DOT’s proposal to host the gastronomy forum, citing the Philippines’ “demonstrated leadership, institutional readiness, and commitment to meeting the legal and procedural requirements for hosting the Forum.”
“The Philippines’ commitment to advancing tourism through gastronomy — supported by its efforts to strengthen local food systems, empower youth and women, and celebrate culinary heritage — positions it as an exceptional host for this flagship global event,” Pololikashvili said.
“The Forum will offer a unique platform to showcase the country’s leadership in gastronomy tourism and to shape global dialogue and cooperation around sustainable and inclusive food and tourism systems,” Pololikashvili added
𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲
As the Philippines prepares to welcome the world in 2026, Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the DOT’s commitment to transforming the country’s gastronomy tourism landscape into a model of sustainability, community empowerment, and cultural pride.
“Filipino cuisine is a source of identity, livelihood, and cultural pride. the Department of Tourism will continue to make every effort so the world will know the treasure that is Filipino food. Because every Filipino dish tells a story — one of hope, heritage, and hospitality,” Frasco said.
“We look forward to welcoming the world to the Philippines, where every meal is shared with love, and it is a meaningfulcelebration of who we are as a people,” added the tourism chief.
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