Regina Troy Barrios

Article (news)

 Avel Chuklanov on Unsplash

<p>We&rsquo;ve barely caught our breath after the Michelin Guide launch&mdash;the first ever in the Philippines&mdash;and now the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/departmentoftourismmnl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Department of Tourism</strong></a> has announced that the country will host the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/unwto/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism</strong></a>.</p><p>The announcement marks another milestone in a year that has seen Filipino food increasingly appear in global conversations.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763629117006image-160.png.webp" style="width: 960px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"></div><h2><strong>A different kind of spotlight</strong></h2><p>The UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is not a festival or food fair. It&rsquo;s a gathering of chefs, policymakers, tourism leaders, and experts from more than 150 countries who share insights on how food can shape economies, culture, and communities. Delegates exchange ideas on local food systems, sustainability, identity, and tourism development&mdash;topics that ultimately influence how travelers experience a destination.</p><p>Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco described the Philippines as a &ldquo;perfect venue&rdquo; for these discussions. Hosting the 2026 forum is part of a series of high-profile events for the country. In 2024, the Philippines held the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu, which culminated in the Cebu Call to Action, a framework to promote sustainable gastronomy tourism in the region.</p><p>Food often serves as a visitor&rsquo;s first introduction to the Philippines, and many travelers remember a dish long after they&rsquo;ve left.</p><div><br></div><h2><strong>A nod from UN Tourism</strong></h2><p>UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili confirmed the country&rsquo;s selection in a letter to the DOT, citing the Philippines&rsquo; readiness, work on community-based food systems, and efforts to highlight culinary heritage.</p><p>In addition to bringing global leaders and culinary voices to the Philippines, this event also offers an opportunity to spotlight the local gastronomy landscape. Food tourism goes beyond fine dining and polished restaurant openings. It encompasses farmers, producers, home cooks, wet markets, regional specialties, food heritage, and the labor behind every plate.</p><p>Tourism is also a livelihood. In 2024, 6.75 million Filipinos were employed in tourism-related sectors, many in food, culinary, and hospitality roles. Hosting the 2026 forum gives the country a platform to showcase how these elements connect, beyond slogans and marketing campaigns.</p><div><br></div><h2><strong>A year marked by food stories</strong></h2><p>The past year has shown that Filipino cuisine is in a moment of evolution. The Michelin Guide launch brought both pride and debate, signaling a dynamic, developing scene. Now, with the UN&rsquo;s largest gastronomy event on the horizon, the Philippines has another opportunity to shape how its food story is told globally.</p><p>Not a spotlight we sought, necessarily&mdash;but one that seems to be finding us anyway.</p>

<p>The Philippines will host the 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, bringing global attention to Filipino cuisine, culinary heritage, and sustainable food tourism.</p>

The Philippines will host the 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, bringing global attention to Filipino cuisine, culinary heritage, and sustainable food tourism.

Philippines To Host UN World Forum On Gastronomy Tourism In 2026

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Philippines To Host UN World Forum On Gastronomy Tourism In 2026

Troy Barrios

Published November 17, 2025 05:05 PM PHT

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Updated November 20, 2025 05:01 PM PHT

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philippine gastronomy tourism

UN tourism world forum 2026

filipino cuisine

global food event philippines

culinary heritage philippines

sustainable food tourism

food and travel philippines

chefs and culinary leaders

tourism development philippines

michelin guide philippines

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