Asia and the Pacific’s growing status as a gastronomy tourism destination has been celebrated as key stakehold­ers look to a more inclusive and sus­tainable future.

The first UN Tourism Regional Fo­rum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific built on the success of the global event to serve as a platform for public and private sector leaders to address the main challenges and opportunities in this fast-emerging part of global tourism.

As with the World Forum, the event was co-organized by UN Tour­ism and the Basque Culinary Centre (BCC) and hosted by the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.

According to UNWTO, food is at the heart of every tourist experience, and gastronomy tourism delivers many social and economic benefits.

Reflecting the strong commitment of its Member States to harnessing the economic and social benefits of gastronomy tourism, UN Tourism put the focus on policy frameworks and government action.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zu­rab Pololikashvili said: “Food is at the heart of every tourist experience, and gastronomy tourism delivers many social and economic benefits. For it to deliver on its potential, we need to create well-defined gastronomy tourism policies and strategies that bring together all stakeholders with a common vision and mission, as exem­plified by this first regional Forum.”

Cebu Call to Action on Gastron­omy Tourism

The event concluded with the Cebu Call to Action on Gastronomy Tour­ism, calling for both public and private sector leaders to develop comprehen­sive strategies at all levels to integrate gastronomy tourism into policy and practice.

It urges the creation of governance mechanisms uniting stakeholders un­der a shared vision, fostering coopera­tion across sectors such as agriculture and culture, and supporting small businesses to enhance their market position.

Emphasis was placed on empower­ing local communities through train­ing and financing, promoting unique culinary experiences, and advocating for sustainable practices that protect local cultures and the environment.

Gastronomy Tourism: Territo­ry, Communities and Sustainabil­ity

In line with UN Tourism’s focus on inclusive rural development, in­clusion and sustainability, the Forum brought together academic, business leaders, community representatives and top chefs to explore some of the most pressing issues in the field of gastronomy tourism.