Record Turnout as Thailand Hosts 4th UNWTO Global Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

IGCAT Experts Jacinta Dalton, Roberta Garibaldi and Jutamas Wisansing were among the 475 delegates from 52 countries in attendance for the 4th UNWTO Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Bangkok.

The conference, which ran from May 30 to June 1, was attended by dozens of Thai restaurateurs, chefs, food and beverage executives and hoteliers who are getting a chance to update themselves on new techniques and technologies in preparing, marketing and managing the strong linkage between tourism and gastronomy.

Organised by the UN World Tourism Organisation and Basque Culinary Centre, the conference was attended by Secretary General of the UNWTO, H.E. Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Hon. Mr. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, and Mr. Joxe Mari Aizega, Director, Basque Culinary Center.

The conference focused on raising awareness both nationally and regionally as to the significance and role of gastronomy tourism as a key towards the development of sustainable tourism in the region. Speakers from Macau, Japan, Indonesia and the Basque region of Spain discussed the current situation in their regions and the global outlook for gastronomy tourism as well how the public and private sector can establish successful partnerships.

The conference has also examined how countries can relate their gastronomy tourism strategies to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.

Addressing the opening ceremony, H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, said the Royal Thai government was pleased to host the conference as part of the national strategy to more firmly link its two bedrock economic sectors, agriculture and tourism.

H.E. Mr. Weerasak also stated that

Both agriculture and tourism are major job creators and contribute significantly to economic livelihood and income distribution all over the country, especially in the rural areas. Farmers get to make more productive use of their land and try out new concepts such as herbal and organic products and wineries. The multiplier effect nationwide is of massive value and benefit.

Read full original article at TAT News.