Tacloban: The Department of Tourism (DOT) is strengthening its initiatives to promote Eastern Visayas’ food through the mainstreaming of local flavors in tour packages. DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes emphasized the importance of integrating local dishes into the visitor experience as part of a broader strategy to enhance food tourism, which is increasingly recognized as a global travel motivator.

According to Philippines News Agency, food has been identified by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as a vital component of the tourism experience, accounting for one-third of a tourist’s expenses. Tiopes noted that while food tourism currently lacks precise measurement in terms of visitor percentages, it is naturally embedded in all tour activities. “We cannot quantify it by saying that a certain percentage of tourists came because they want our food because we integrate food into all tours. Food tourism is truly a natural part of the whole experience,” she stated.

Tiopes also urged hotels and restaurants to serve local foods, especially during seminars and events attended by visitors from outside the region. “We have been encouraging our partners to give our visitors the opportunity to taste something that is ours,” she added.

Eastern Visayas is known for its unique culinary offerings, including binagol, moron, pastillas, suman, smoked fish, roscas cookies, and chocolate tablets. The DOT has planned a series of activities this year aimed at advancing tourism, such as food safety programs, culinary skills development initiatives, and workshops on street food, fusion cuisine, and other techniques to enhance local flavors while meeting modern culinary demands.