Building on its momentum as a rising culinary powerhouse, the Philippines is officializing its preparations for the prestigious 10th UN World Gastronomy Forum.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with United Nations (UN) Tourism Executive Director Liu Shijun on Thursday, January 29, to align on strategic recommendations for the upcoming global event. The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, currently hosted in the scenic province of Cebu.
The discussions extended beyond gastronomy. Under the Philippines’ current chairmanship of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP), Secretary Frasco and Director Shijun reviewed preparatory milestones for the joint 38th UN Tourism CAP and Commission for South Asia (CSA) meetings, scheduled to be held in Iran later this year.
“Our collaboration with UN Tourism reflects the Philippines’ commitment to leading the conversation on sustainable and inclusive tourism,” said Secretary Frasco. “By hosting the World Gastronomy Forum, we are not just showcasing Filipino flavors; we are positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural preservation.”
The selection of the Philippines as a host venue follows the successful 2024 regional forum in Cebu. That landmark event resulted in the adoption of the ‘Cebu Call to Action,’ a framework that recognizes gastronomy tourism as a vital driver for:
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Sustainable Development: Supporting local farmers and producers.
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Cultural Heritage: Preserving traditional cooking methods and indigenous ingredients.
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Regional Integration: Strengthening the culinary identity of the Asia-Pacific block.
The 10th UN World Gastronomy Forum is expected to draw tourism ministers, world-renowned chefs, and policy experts from across the globe to Philippine shores, further cementing the country’s status as a “must-visit” destination for culinary travelers.
