PH to host first UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Cebu this June

The Philippines will be the host to the inaugural United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific by the UN Tourism.

The forum is set to happen from June 26 to 27 in Cebu alongside the 36th UN Tourism Joint Commission Meeting for East Asia and the Pacific and Commission for South Asia, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The two-day UN Gastronomy Forum will be held at Shangri-La Mactan, while the joint commission meeting will take place on June 28 at Sheraton Mactan.

About 300 attendees are expected to attend the forum, including ministers from UN member-states, affiliate members, and international tourism stakeholders who will share their expertise on best tourism practices in the Pacific, East, and South Asia regions.

Courtesy: Photo from Department of Tourism

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said that the two events are a chance for the Philippines to promote the diversity of its gastronomy tourism offerings to the international community. In line with this, the agency, thus, is committed to developing more culinary tours, festivals, dining destinations, and food trail activities.

The first day of the forum will comprise talks on policy frameworks for the development, promotion, and sustainability of gastronomy tourism, as well as strategies to reduce food waste, advance local food sourcing, and more.

On the second day, delegates will go on a technical tour around Cebu to learn more about its beauty as a top tourist destination. They will also get to try dishes and delicacies featuring the best of Philippine flavors through a showcase by some of the country's leading chefs.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News