The Philippines was selected to host the 2026 United Nations Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Wednesday.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said this upcoming hosting reflects the country’s rise as an emerging gastronomy hub.

“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,” she said.

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.

In accepting DOT’s proposal to host the forum, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili cited the Philippines’ “commitment to advancing tourism through gastronomy”.

He said the country’s efforts to strengthen local food systems, empower youth and women, and celebrate culinary heritage position it as “an exceptional host for this flagship global event.”

The DOT said gastronomy plays an important role in the growth of tourism in the Philippines, with food and beverage experiences serving as some of the key drivers of visitor spending.

Based on the 2024 Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA), food and beverage services accounted for 8.04 percent of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) and comprised 17.1 percent of inbound tourism expenditure.

Tourism also employs 6.75 million Filipinos, majority 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,” Frasco said.

“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,” she added.

In 2024, the Philippines also hosted the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu and produced the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism as a Driver for Sustainable Development as outcome document. (PNA)