The Department of Tourism (DOT) underscored the Philippines' rising role in food and gastronomy tourism during the 24th World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the Philippines is crafting a roadmap to establish itself as a premier food destination in Asia through gastronomy tourism.
“Food is our love language in the Philippines, and recognizing the wide variety of foods that pervade our regions, our President has directed that gastronomy tourism should form part and parcel of our National Tourism Development Plan,” she said.
Frasco highlighted the success of the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Cebu, where the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tourism was established as a framework for culinary tourism development in the Asia-Pacific region.
She noted that over 600 delegates from 43 countries endorsed the action plan, which lays the groundwork for food tourism to thrive across the region.
Frasco pointed to the nation's efforts to collaborate with local producers, farmers, chefs, and artisans in order to foster inclusive growth in the tourism sector.
"For us, it's about empowering communities," she said, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships in building infrastructure and formulating policies that benefit both investors and local suppliers.
She also highlighted key culinary achievements, such as Angeles City's recognition as Asia's Best Emerging Culinary City, Bacolod City's designation as the Slow Food Hub for Asia Pacific, and Iloilo City's status as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy.
At the summit, Frasco showcased the Filipino dish "kinilaw," a savory favorite that represents the country’s rich marine resources and diverse flavors.
“This dish is a representation of the bounty of the Philippines, being home to over 2,500 fish species, as well as the freshness of our local produce,” she shared, encouraging international travelers to explore the Philippines' culinary offerings alongside its renowned coastal attractions.