The Philippines is set to host the first United Nations forum on gastronomy tourism for the Asia-Pacific region in June. This landmark event, the first UN gastronomy tourism event in the Philippines, aims to raise awareness of the potential culinary delights to boost a country’s tourism industry.
As the inaugural forum on culinary tourism in the Asia-Pacific region, this two-day event will highlight the significant role food plays in shaping a country’s tourism landscape.
Through cultural exchange and discussion, the forum will explore the impact of gastronomy tourism for Asia, specifically in East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific, fostering greater understanding and collaboration within the tourism sector.
Celebrating Filipino Gastronomy
Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that the first UN tourism regional forum on gastronomy tourism will “showcase how significant food is to our culture, and highlight our gastronomic delights and the Filipinos who excel in this craft.”
This two-day event in Cebu, part of the country’s hosting of the UN tourism regional forum, aims to raise awareness about the impact of gastronomy tourism for Asia and the Pacific on community well-being. International experts will gather to discuss and celebrate culinary delights at the regional forum on gastronomy tourism.
The event is scheduled to take place in Cebu, the country’s oldest city and one of the key destinations renowned for its rich culinary culture and history. Additionally, the forum will feature culinary programs like the Philippine Eatsperience, with the latter held in Rizal Park, showcasing iconic dishes and the vibrant culinary culture of the Philippines.
Event Details
The highly anticipated gastronomy tourism forum is slated for June 26 to 27 in Cebu, preceding the 36th Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia on June 28. The United Nations defines gastronomy tourism as a type of tourism activity characterized by the visitor’s experience linked with food and related products and activities while traveling.
The forum in Cebu will attract a diverse group of international experts, chefs, culinary critics, and tourism professionals. These participants will share insights and strategies on leveraging food tourism to boost local economies and promote cultural heritage.
Showcasing Philippine Culinary Programs
The Department of Tourism (DOT) will feature the Philippines’ two main culinary tourism programs in June: the Philippine Eatsperience and the Philippine Experience Program (PEP). These initiatives highlight the transformative power of food in tourism and cultural exchange.
Philippine Experience Program (PEP)
The PEP recognizes the pivotal role of food and gastronomy in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. This program aims to search and highlight the cultural and historical significance of Filipino cuisine, showcasing the diversity and richness of the nation’s food heritage.
By featuring gastronomic delights from various destinations such as Cebu and Manila, the PEP underscores the importance of food in the Philippines’ tourism strategy for the Asia and the Pacific regions.
Philippine Eatsperience
The Philippine Eatsperience, held in Rizal Park, Manila, is a year-long food market that celebrates the country’s vibrant culinary scene. This initiative aims to provide locals and tourists with an immersive food experience, featuring iconic dishes from different regions of the country.
Through these programs, the DOT aims to enlighten about the transformative power of culinary tourism and its pivotal role in promoting the Philippines as a top culinary destination in Asia and the Pacific.
Culinary Highlights
The Philippine Eatsperience food park features an array of traditional and beloved Filipino dishes. Some of the highlights include:
Lechon: Roasted pig, a staple at Filipino celebrations and gatherings.
Bicol Express: Pork cooked in coconut milk with chili peppers, a spicy and creamy dish from the Bicol region.
Ilocos Empanada: A baked or fried turnover filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, popular in the Ilocos region.
Street Foods: Classic Filipino street foods such as kwek-kwek (boiled quail eggs), dynamite (stuffed chili peppers), and kikiam (elongated fishball).
Join the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia-Pacific
The upcoming United Nations forum on gastronomy tourism this June in Cebu highlights the importance of food in the Philippines’ cultural and tourism landscape. By showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage and the talents of Filipino chefs, the event aims to elevate the profile of the Philippines as a top culinary tourism destination.
This forum in Cebu will not only a celebration of Filipino cuisine but also a strategic move to boost tourism and promote the country’s diverse and delectable food offerings to a global audience.
Celebrate Life’s Milestones in Camella!
Make unforgettable memories in a Camella home.
Our communities are designed to elevate your living experience.
