Madrid Fusion Manila might still push through, TPB says

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Promotions Board on Wednesday clarified that Madrid Fusion Manila might still push trough this year.

In a statement, TPB Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano said the board management initially considered the deferment of the international food event until 2019 due to the
 non-availability of participating international chefs and exhibitors.

"However, in light of new developments and change in logistical requirements which are advantageous to the government for the International Gastronomy Congress and the Fusion Manila International Gastronomy Expo; the Tourism Promotions Board is assessing the possibility of staging the fourth edition of Madrid Fusion Manila later this year," Montano said.

The TPB made the statement in response to reports that Madrid Fusion Manila will no longer push through.
 
Madrid Fusion Manila, the only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, was supposed to be held in Manila this month.

The food event is "the single most important international gastronomy congress in the 21st century" and is a gastronomy event celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003.

The Department of Tourism last January announced that Philippines will host the international food event, which has been drawing tourists to the country for almost thee years.

The TPB said it "continues to recognize the impact of Madrid Fusion Manila in the promotion of our country as a focal point of gastronomic interest worldwide."

On Tuesday, another food event, World Street Food Congress announced that it is canceling this year’s event citing that it is the presenter, TPB’s decision.

RELATED: World Street Food Congress cancels this year's event

—Rosette Adel