As the country continues to rise as an emerging gastronomy hub, the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) has selected the Philippines to host next year’s World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.

This was announced on Monday by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, noting that the country’s selection as host of this prestigious event affirms its 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,” Frasco said.

“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,” she added.

Food tourism

The event will put together 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.

According to the Tourism Department chief, 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 2023–2028.

Last year, 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.

Role of gastronomy highlighted

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.