CEBU, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco is set to lead back-to-back tourism-related events in Cebu, beginning with the rollout of the Philippine Gastronomic Potential Study today at Fina Restaurant, NUSTAR Resort, South Road Properties here.
According to DOT-VII Regional Director Judy Gabato’s invitation to The Freeman, the Department of Tourism Region VII and the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) have identified food and gastronomy under cultural experiences as one of the priority products for development.
This aligns with the vision of anchoring the Philippine tourism industry on Filipino culture, heritage, and identity.
The DOT is focusing on initiatives that elevate the Philippines as a premier global food and gastronomy tourism destination.
Spearheading this effort is the DOT’s Office of Product Development (DOT-OPD), which initiated the Philippine Gastronomic Potential Study based on a culinary audit conducted last year in Greater Manila and Cebu.
Today’s rollout, led by Secretary Frasco, aims to update regional stakeholders on the Central Visayas culinary assessment and reinforce collective efforts in advancing food and gastronomy tourism nationwide.
Following this event, Secretary Frasco is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Visayas Tourism Congress tomorrow, June 26, at Bai Hotel-Cebu.
The congress will gather key figures from the tourism and travel sectors, including hoteliers, travel agents, resort owners, tour operators, restaurateurs, and M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) developers.
This year’s theme, “Ekonomiya sa Turismo, Magahatag Progreso,” underscores tourism’s potential to drive economic growth.
The regional consultation is spearheaded by the Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), with TCP Vice President for Visayas Toots Jimenez Jr. leading of its preparations. The TCP, established by law, serves as the DOT’s private-sector advisory body.
Joining Secretary Frasco at the congress are key industry leaders including TIEZA COO Mark Lapid; Harold Geronimo, VP for PR and Media Affairs of Megaworld Corporation; CASAP school founder Marides Fernando; Fastcat’s Jam Mabanta; Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ Avinash Menon; and Walid Kalif, SVP of SMX Hotels and Conventions.
These tourism personalities are expected to share insights and experiences from their respective fields. — (FREEMAN)
