The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the Philippines’ latest citation as one of Asia’s rising culinary hotspots.
Marriott International’s “Future of Food 2026” report recently recognized the growing influence of the Philippines in Asia’s gastronomic landscape and named it among the countries “ready to be plated as the next gastronomic gateway.”
The report was based on insights from over 30 influential chefs, mixologists, culinary experts and regional food media, along with data from Marriott’s first regional survey.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said gastronomy tourism stands as a vital part of the National Tourism Development Plan, with its wide-reaching impact not only on the country’s image but also on local communities and food producers.
“The DOT remains committed to expanding gastronomy tourism recognizing its far reaching benefits for our communities,” she said.
“Gastronomy tourism is one of the key pillars under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, with the ultimate goal of positioning the Philippines as a gastronomic paradise by developing regional culinary circuits and supporting local producers and chefs,” she added.
The DOT earlier facilitated the historic visit of the Michelin Guide to the Philippines, which it sees as a “significant milestone in the country’s culinary journey, signaling its rising prominence on the global gastronomic map.”
Likewise, the first-ever regional edition of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP), the world’s largest sustainable gastronomy event, will be hosted by Bacolod City and Negros Occidental, in partnership with the DOT next month.
Key trends such as the rise of fine-casual dining, greater use of native ingredients, and more immersive and multi-sensory experiences that go beyond traditional meals were also cited in the report.PNA
