The Philippines—under the leadership of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco—was elected Vice President of the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly. Representing Secretary Frasco, DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso joined global tourism leaders at the Opening Ceremonies of the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday (Nov. 9).
The Philippines is set to take center stage in the global culinary scene as it has been chosen to host the 2026 UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, a landmark event that will bring together food visionaries, chefs, and tourism leaders from over 150 countries.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the selection reflects the country’s growing prominence as a world-class gastronomy hub and a perfect meeting ground for cultures united by a love for food.
“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,” Frasco said. “This recognition places our country at the forefront of global gastronomy and sustainable tourism. Our 7,641 islands are not only blessed with natural beauty but with a culinary heritage that embodies the creativity, diversity, and resilience of the Filipino spirit.”
The 10th edition of the forum will focus on food tourism as a powerful force for inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural preservation. It is expected to bring international attention to Filipino cuisine, local food systems, and the communities that sustain them.
The Philippines’ hosting of the event follows its successful staging of the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu in 2024, which resulted in the Cebu Call to Action — a commitment to promote gastronomy as a driver of sustainable development.
This new milestone also comes on the heels of the Michelin Guide’s debut in the Philippines, which shone a global spotlight on Filipino chefs and restaurants, further solidifying the nation’s reputation as a rising culinary destination.
According to the Philippine Tourism Satellite Account (PTSA) 2024, food and beverage services accounted for 8.04 percent of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) and 17.1 percent of inbound tourism expenditure, underscoring the central role of Filipino cuisine in the travel experience. The tourism sector also employed 6.75 million Filipinos in 2024, or 13.8 percent of total national employment, many of whom are engaged in food and hospitality services.
“From the first regional gastronomy forum in Cebu to our partnership with Michelin and the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine, our message is clear — food is not just a feast for the palate but a force for empowerment and sustainability,” Frasco said. “Hosting the World Gastronomy Forum in 2026 proves how the Philippines continues to rise as a leader in showcasing the power of food to drive tourism.”
In a letter to Secretary Frasco, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the Philippines’ commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism, citing its “leadership, institutional readiness, and dedication to empowering local food systems, youth, and women.”
“The Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its culinary identity while promoting sustainability make it an exceptional host for this flagship global event,” Pololikashvili said. “The Forum will offer a platform to highlight the country’s leadership in gastronomy tourism and shape global dialogue around sustainable and inclusive food systems.”
As preparations begin for 2026, Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the Department of Tourism’s mission to make gastronomy a source of pride, livelihood, and identity for every Filipino.
“Filipino cuisine tells a story of hope, heritage, and hospitality,” Frasco said. “Through every dish, we share who we are as a people — creative, compassionate, and full of heart. When the world gathers here in 2026, they won’t just taste our food — they’ll experience the love behind it.”