The Philippines has been chosen to host the prestigious UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country's emergence as a global culinary destination. This major international event will further cement the Philippines' position at the forefront of food tourism and sustainable development.
A Global Gathering for Food and Sustainability
In an official announcement made on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) revealed that the country successfully secured the bid to host the 10th edition of the world forum. The event is expected to attract global leaders, renowned chefs, tourism innovators, and international stakeholders from more than 150 countries worldwide.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating: "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." She added that this recognition places the country at the forefront of global gastronomy and sustainable tourism.
Building on Previous Success and Economic Impact
The upcoming world forum follows the successful hosting of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu in 2024, which drew over 500 delegates, including tourism ministers from UN member states and international stakeholders. That event first placed Cebu in the global spotlight as a rising destination for gastronomy tourism.
The economic significance of food and beverage services in Philippine tourism is substantial. According to the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account, food and beverage services accounted for 8.04 percent of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added in 2024 and comprised 17.1 percent of inbound tourism spending. The broader tourism sector employed 6.75 million Filipinos, representing 13.8 percent of total national employment, with many working in culinary and hospitality positions.
International Recognition and Future Prospects
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili formally confirmed the Philippines' hosting rights through an official letter that praised the country's "demonstrated leadership, institutional readiness, and commitment" to gastronomy-driven tourism. He specifically highlighted the Philippines' efforts in strengthening local food systems, empowering communities, and celebrating culinary heritage as factors that make it an "exceptional host" for the global event.
This international recognition comes alongside other significant achievements for Philippine gastronomy, including the recent arrival of the Michelin Guide that has been spotlighting Filipino chefs and restaurants. Secretary Frasco connected these developments, noting: "From our first gastronomy forum in Cebu to our global partnerships, our message remains clear — food is not only a feast for the palate but also a force for empowerment and sustainability."
The 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism aims to promote international cooperation on food tourism as a tool for sustainability, cultural preservation, and local development. As Secretary Frasco concluded: "Hosting the World Gastronomy Forum in 2026 will further showcase the power of food to drive tourism and pride for our nation."
