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.

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.