Food and travel tourism is set to take center stage as the Department of Tourism in Davao Region (DOT-11) play host to the 21st edition of the “Kaon Ta, Kain Pa! Food and Travel Festival” on Dec. 2-4 here.

The three-day event, in partnership with Ayala Malls, is described as a gastronomic celebration that endeavors to position the Philippines as a premiere culinary destination in Asia.

With the theme “Food Tripping Christmas,” DOT-11 regional director Tanya Rabat Tan said the festival will feature a flavorful spread of local and modern holiday cuisines and local beverages and will also incorporate food, travel and Christmas.

“We aim to provide a platform for the development and promotion of regional cuisine as well as supporting farm tours and our tourism circuits that DOT Secretary Christina Frasco advocates boosting the recovery of intra and inter-regional travel,” Tan said.

With the upcoming Christmas holidays, Tan said the culinary event will also highlight celebration dishes that are a sure hit on the Noche Buena tables.

“We also aim to provide a myriad of opportunities to our tourism stakeholders, partners, and enterprises — from food to farm tours to our local farmers and producers,” she added.

“Kaon Ta, Kain Pa!” will also showcase the culinary affluence of Regions 1, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11,12 and 13, as well as from the Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region. (PNA)