MANILA: The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific kicked off on Wednesday (June 26) in the central Philippine city of Lapu-Lapu.
The event, jointly organised by the UN Tourism, the Basque Culinary Center and the Philippine government, has gathered more than 500 participants from around the world.
Secretary General of the UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the importance of gastronomy in tourism in his speech, saying the forum serves as a platform for participants to share their ideas.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan said: "As competition among tourist destinations increases, food becomes the deciding factor."
"Gastronomy provides an opportunity to revitalise and diversify tourism and in return promote the local economy. Gastronomy therefore contributes to the promotion and branding of tourist destinations. It likewise helps maintain local traditions as well as preserve its authenticity," the mayor said.
Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said: "Food tourism is a growing and dynamic sector, offering enormous potential for economic growth and advancing cultural exchanges among nations."
Frasco's remarks were echoed by attendee Cathy Feliciano-Chon, who said gastronomy has served as a "magnet" for tourists who are eager to explore diverse cultures and culinary traditions.
"There is a surging interest in food among travellers, particularly in Asia. They want to have immersive and authentic experiences during their travelling," said Feliciano-Chon, managing partner at FINN Partners, an international communications agency. - Xinhua
