Philippines to Host Groundbreaking UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum

The Philippines will host the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific from June 26 to 27, 2024, in Cebu. 

This event marks a significant milestone in the global tourism industry, as it brings together destinations and international experts to share knowledge and best practices in gastronomy tourism.

The forum aims to harness the transformative power of gastronomy tourism, which has gained immense popularity among travelers seeking authentic experiences. This growing trend presents substantial opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development, cultural exchange, and community well-being.

The event is organized by UN Tourism, the Basque Culinary Center, and the Government of the Philippines. It will serve as a platform to celebrate the power of gastronomy tourism and its potential to benefit local communities and the environment.

Key points to be discussed at the forum include creating rules for food tourism, using local products, and promoting sustainable practices in the industry. The event will also provide a platform for destinations to share their experiences and best practices in gastronomy tourism, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

The main objectives of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism are as follows:

1. Harnessing the Transformative Power of Gastronomy Tourism: The forum aims to leverage the power of gastronomy tourism to benefit local communities and the environment, particularly in the context of Asia and the Pacific.
2. Knowledge Exchange and Best Practices: The event brings together destinations and international experts to share knowledge and best practices in gastronomy tourism, fostering collaboration and innovation.
3. Promoting Sustainable Development and Cultural Exchange: By highlighting the importance of innovation, the forum includes a pitch challenge where entrepreneurs present scalable solutions to promote sustainable development and cultural exchange through gastronomy tourism.
4. Empowering Local Communities: The forum aims to empower local communities by promoting their gastronomic heritage and traditions, which are often overlooked by tourists, and fostering regional cohesion and resilience