Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 to include B2B meetings

MFM, slated on April 1 to 8, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is one of the biggest culinary events in the world. (Photo: Madrid Fusión Manila/ Facebook)

MANILA–This year’s Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) will for the first time include business-to-business (B2B) meetings with local tour operators that specialize on culinary tours, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday.

DOT previously said that it is currently optimizing its resources to enhance marketing and communications activities towards making the Philippines as Asia’s gastronomic capital and increasing tourist arrivals.

MFM, slated on April 1 to 8, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, is one of the biggest culinary events in the world.

It will also feature an International Gastronomy Congress and the Fusion Manila International Gastronomy Expo.

Tourism Market Development Group Director Verna Buensuceso welcomed this development noting that Filipino cuisine has come a long way from once being “the best kept secret” to now being one of the biggest trends.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo said Flavors of the Philippines, one of the components of MFM, has even generated a loyal following among Filipino families, gourmets and gourmands alike.

Flavors, which will run until April 30, will showcase the best Filipino food and drinks and more simultaneously in hundred venues located in the country’s 17 regions.

It is meant to present the Philippines to all the food lovers in the world as a hub for all different flavor profiles even those from foreign origins while establishing the country as center of culinary excellence in Asia.

“Flavors of the Philippines’ landmark success has turned it into culinary tradition for many people, who now eagerly await its annual edition since year one,” Teo said.