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Cebu, Philippines Sets Stage for Asia-Pacific Gastronomy Tourism Boom at Inaugural UN Forum

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 26, 2024 – SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 26, 2024 – In a landmark event for the region's burgeoning culinary scene, the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific has concluded, leaving a lasting impact on the future of food-inspired travel in the region. Held at the picturesque Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, the forum brought together over 500 delegates, including ministers of tourism, industry leaders, culinary experts, and community representatives, to explore the dynamic landscape of gastronomy tourism and chart a course for its sustainable growth.

Global Tourism Roars Back in 2023 with China Leading Spending and France Welcoming the Most Visitors

SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 14, 2024 – The global tourism industry experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2023, signaling a robust recovery from the pandemic's devastating impact. According to the latest data from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), international travel saw a significant uptick, with spending reaching near pre-pandemic levels.

Leading the charge in travel expenditure was China, reclaiming its position as the world's top spender. Chinese tourists poured a staggering $196.5 billion into international travel, a testament to the country's pent-up demand for global experiences as travel restrictions eased. This remarkable spending spree surpassed that of the United States, which held the top spot in 2022, as well as other major markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.