PH to host 2026 UN gastronomy tourism forum

The Philippines will host the 10th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2026, the Department of Tourism said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DOT said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has accepted the Philippines’ proposal to host the gastronomy forum.

Pololikashvili said that the Philippines exhibited the leadership, readiness, and commitment needed to host 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,” he 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,” he added.

For her part, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the country’s hosting would position the Philippines as a rising hub for gastronomy.

The 10th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is expected to gather global leaders, chefs, innovators, and advocates from more than 150 countries.

“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.

“Through gastronomy, we invite the world to experience the love of our people and the richness of our story… We look forward to welcoming the world to the Philippines, where every meal is shared with love, and it is a meaningful celebration of who we are as a people,” Frasco added.

The Philippines’ hosting of next year’s gastronomy meet came after the Michelin Guide awarded 25 different Philippine restaurants with the Bib Gourmand distinction and recognized 70 other establishments under the Michelin list.

In 2025, the 2024 Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA) revealed that 8.04% of the country’s Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) were from food and beverage services and composed of 17.1% of inbound tourism expenditure.

“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. — JMA, GMA Integrated News