GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region 12 was one of the participants in the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held from June 26–27, in The Marquee at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu.
Co-organized by the UN World Tourism Organization, the Basque Culinary Center, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Cebu government, the event aimed to celebrate the transformative power of gastronomy tourism.
It also brought together destinations and international experts to exchange knowledge and best practices, focusing on maximizing the benefits for local communities and the environment.
The two-day event welcomed over 500 delegates from all over the globe.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed optimism about the success of the event.
“I’m confident that our discussions will lead to invaluable insights and actionable strategies and collaborations to strengthen further the role of gastronomy in tourism in our region and our nations. Together, we can create a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant tourism landscape that honors our heritage and celebrates culinary excellence,” Frasco remarked.
Following the panel discussions and keynote speeches, delegates enjoyed a regional lunch crafted by chefs from across the Philippines.
The DOT’s regional offices displayed products that highlighted the many reasons that make visitors fall in love with the Philippines.
Nelia Arina, DOT Soccsksargen regional director, and her team, along with Chef Ronald Ferman, showcased GenSan’s renowned tuna and shared the region’s rich culinary heritage with the attendees.
“Soccsksargen is very honored to be part of this convergence of the vibrant diversity of culinary specialties from across the country. This is a celebration of our identity through our cuisine,” said Arina.
While General Santos serves as the gateway to the entire region, Arina emphasized that they are showcasing tuna as an introduction to the area’s rich culinary delights, which exquisitely symbolizes Soccsksargen’s heritage and prowess in the seafood world.
“This showcase is also our platform. Through tuna, we can share our narrative as a people and our living culture. We wish to leave a lasting impression and be considered another culinary gem within the global gastronomic sector,” she added.
Ferman, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude for being chosen as the region’s chef.
He said he was honored to meet famous chefs and experience different cuisines in the Philippines, stressing that he was delighted to help showcase GenSan’s tuna that represented the rich marine resources of the region.
“The significance of promoting our food, particularly Tuna Sashimi, being the Tuna capital of the country, makes Tuna Sashimi fit to be featured in such an event. The dish not only highlights the rich marine resources of our region but also showcases Filipino culinary prowess in preparing seafood dishes,” said Ferman.
“I believe that our region participated well. We were able to showcase our very own tuna sashimi delicacy with pride and honor,” he added.
Along with other regions, Soccsksargen has a tourism booth to showcase the region’s products, featuring the participation of K’Datu Souvenir Shop from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Gastronomy tourism has become a major motivator for travelers, with the World Food Travel Association reporting that over 80 percent of tourists consider food and drink when choosing a destination.
Furthermore, the World Food Travel Association classifies more than half (53%) of these travelers as ‘culinary travelers.’
A 2023 survey by Booking.com found that 34 percent of tourists value restaurants and dining experiences as keys to learning about local cultures and lifestyles.
In addition to the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines hosted the 36th Joint Commission Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific and the Commission for South Asia (CAP-CSA) on June 28. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/DOT 12/PIA SarGen)
