The Philippines Triumphs As Host Nation For The 2026 UN Tourism World Forum On Gastronomy Tourism

The prestigious 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is set to be hosted by the Philippines, an announcement that firmly cements the nation’s rapidly increasing standing as an emergent global culinary destination. This pivotal decision was officially publicized through a social media post by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The country’s selection for the landmark 10th edition of the international event is viewed as a significant validation of the national efforts being made to position gastronomy as an essential force driving sustainable tourism and fostering inclusive growth across the archipelago.

The readiness of the Philippines to capably manage and execute major international conventions has been affirmed by this recognition, spotlighting the vast potential of the country to steer global conversations centered on food, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. The Department of Tourism has underscored that the hosting rights are a clear indication of the Philippines’ potential leadership role in integrating culinary arts with responsible travel practices.

Acknowledgment of Global Readiness

The importance of the Philippines being chosen as the venue for this globally significant gathering has been repeatedly stressed by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. It has been stated that the Philippines represents the most suitable environment for the 2026 UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum, an event where diverse participants from around the world will congregate to exchange knowledge, experience local flavors, and celebrate food’s inherent ability to act as a crucial link between various cultures. It is understood that this esteemed recognition directly places the country at the very forefront of international dialogue concerning gastronomy and the furtherance of sustainable tourism frameworks. The country’s successful bid was largely seen as an outcome of dedicated institutional preparations and a proactive governmental approach aimed at utilizing the nation’s rich culinary heritage as a powerful magnet for international visitors.

The Endorsement from UN Tourism

Further validation of the nation’s capabilities was provided by UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, whose confirmation was conveyed through a formal letter affirming the Philippines’ successful hosting proposal. The country was highly commended for its demonstrated leadership, institutional readiness, and steadfast commitment to the development of tourism driven by gastronomy.

Particular emphasis was placed on the consistent efforts made by the Philippines to bolster local food systems, to genuinely empower community-based initiatives, and to rigorously celebrate its vibrant culinary heritage. These factors, it was noted, render the Philippines an exceptional host nation for the upcoming global event. The Secretary-General’s praise serves not merely as a congratulatory note but as an international acknowledgment of the strategic direction being pursued by the Philippine government, which views food as more than just a tourist attraction, but rather as an essential mechanism for local economic elevation and cultural pride.

Building on Gastronomic Milestones

The forthcoming World Gastronomy Forum in 2026 represents the pinnacle of a series of significant milestones achieved by the Philippines in the domain of food tourism. Chief among these was the successful staging of the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, which was memorably held in Cebu in 2024. That regional event drew an impressive number of attendees, consisting of over 500 delegates, a roster that included tourism ministers from various UN member states, affiliate members, and other influential international stakeholders.

The forum’s success in Cebu was instrumental in strategically positioning the island province, and by extension the entire nation, firmly within the global spotlight as an emerging, high-potential destination for gastronomy tourism. This earlier regional success is widely considered to have provided the practical experience and demonstrative proof required to secure the 2026 global mandate. Furthermore, the nation’s gastronomic achievements have been magnified by the recent, highly anticipated arrival of the Michelin Guide spotlighting talented Filipino chefs and noteworthy restaurants.

The Economic and Societal Impact

The profound economic contribution of food and beverage services to the national economy cannot be overstated. According to the latest data from the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account, food and beverage services were responsible for 8.04 percent of the total Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) recorded in 2024. Additionally, these services accounted for a substantial 17.1 percent of all spending attributable to inbound tourism during the same period. The tourism sector, taken as a whole, provided employment for 6.75 million Filipinos, a figure that equates to 13.8 percent of the total national employment, with a significant proportion of these jobs being located within the culinary and hospitality sectors.

The hosting of the World Gastronomy Forum is expected to catalyze further investment and job creation in these areas, particularly benefiting local communities involved in food production and service. The forum’s focus on promoting cooperation on food tourism is specifically aimed at leveraging these economic multipliers as a fundamental tool for sustainability, the safeguarding of cultural preservation, and fostering equitable local development.

A Showcase of National Pride and Empowerment

The staging of the 10th edition of the World Gastronomy Forum in 2026 is anticipated to be a transformative event that will significantly amplify the profile of the Philippines on the international stage. The message has been consistently articulated, both following the Cebu regional forum and during the announcement of the global hosting rights, that the power of food extends far beyond the dining table, acting as a crucial element in community empowerment and national pride. This event will provide a unique, unparalleled opportunity to comprehensively showcase the full spectrum of the nation’s diverse and rich culinary traditions to a highly influential international audience. Through carefully curated events, masterclasses, and cultural exchanges, the hosting country will be in a position to narrate the story of its food—a narrative intertwined with its history, its people, and its geography.

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