MICHELIN Guide Commits to the Philippines Until at Least 2028, Strengthening the Country’s Culinary Tourism Ambitions

The Philippines is set to remain on the global culinary map for years to come after the Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed that it has extended its partnership with the MICHELIN Guide for at least two more years, with the possibility of a third, securing the guide’s presence in the country until at least 2028.  

Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay revealed that the agreement has already been signed, describing the extension as part of the government’s broader strategy to position food as one of the country’s strongest tourism assets.  

The announcement comes less than a year after the MICHELIN Guide made its historic Philippine debut with the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, recognizing 108 restaurants and placing Filipino gastronomy firmly within MICHELIN’s global network.  

More Than a Restaurant Guide

While MICHELIN is best known for awarding stars to exceptional restaurants, its impact extends far beyond dining.

Globally, MICHELIN-recognized destinations attract travelers who often build entire trips around culinary experiences. These visitors also spend on hotels, resorts, transportation, shopping, and local attractions, creating significant economic benefits across the tourism industry.

For Philippine hospitality, the extended partnership signals continued international exposure and greater opportunities to attract high-value leisure and luxury travelers.

A Vote of Confidence in Philippine Tourism

The renewal also reflects growing confidence in the country’s culinary potential.

When MICHELIN first announced its Philippine expansion, inspectors focused on Metro Manila, Cebu, and nearby culinary destinations including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.  

Although the DOT has yet to confirm whether future editions will expand geographically, industry observers continue to watch destinations such as Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao, Bohol, and Siargao as potential candidates for future coverage.  

Raising Standards Across Hospitality

The continued presence of MICHELIN is expected to encourage restaurants and hospitality businesses to further elevate quality, consistency, sustainability, and guest experience.

Beyond chefs and restaurateurs, the ripple effects benefit hotels, food producers, local farmers, beverage suppliers, and tourism operators who form part of the country’s growing culinary ecosystem.

For hotels, particularly those with destination dining concepts, the increased international attention offers opportunities to attract discerning travelers seeking premium food experiences.

Hospitality Watch Insight

The extension of the MICHELIN Guide is more than a tourism announcement—it is a signal that the Philippines is becoming an increasingly important culinary destination in Asia.

As neighboring countries such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam continue to leverage gastronomy as a tourism driver, the Philippines now has an opportunity to strengthen its own position on the global stage.

With MICHELIN expected to remain in the country until at least 2028, the focus now shifts from earning recognition to sustaining excellence—and potentially expanding the Guide’s reach to showcase even more of the country’s rich regional cuisines.

Sources

• DOT confirms extension of the MICHELIN Guide partnership until at least 2028 (Metro.Style):  Metro.Style article⁠

• Official MICHELIN announcement of the Philippine Guide launch:  MICHELIN Guide – Philippines launch⁠

• Official MICHELIN Guide 2026 Philippine selection:  MICHELIN Guide 2026 Philippines⁠