Every island in the Philippines comes with a diversity of culinary experiences. Next year, the country is set to bring its culinary artistry into the worldwide spotlight.
Headed by the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines is set to host the 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism—a culinary event that will gather chefs, gastronomy innovators, and tourism heads from more than 150 countries. The announcement was made following DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s election as Vice President of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly.
“This recognition places our country at the forefront of global gastronomy and sustainable tourism,” said Frasco in a statement. Frasco emphasized that the country’s ability to share the heart and soul of Filipinos through food is an experience for others to know how rich the story of the country is.
The forum will share the country’s sustainable initiatives to develop its gastronomy tourism as part of the Philippines’ National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which identifies gastronomy tourism as a key pillar of its long-term strategy.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili recently praised the country for its leadership and readiness to host the 2026 forum.This recognition is a testament to the country’s continuous milestones, including the successful introduction of local Michelin-rated shops and restaurants, as well as the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, held in Cebu in 2024.
As Filipino cuisine is thrust into the spotlight, so too are our country’s heritage and cultural pride. What aspects of Filipino gastronomy do you wish to be highlighted in the upcoming 2026 UN World Gastronomy Forum? Let us know in the comments!