Reflections on the 1st UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia Pacific in Cebu, the Philippines

The symbiosis of food and tourism is not a new topic, but the contexts are changing. Across ASEAN and Asia Pacific, fast-moving trends in food tourism are driven by social media videos and tasting tests and a raft of culinary awards, guides, ratings and reviews. Beyond changing traveller appetites, vital issues - such as climate impact, resource allocation, automated farming techniques, and fair pricing for food producers - are gaining urgency. This week, Gary is joined by Jens Thraenhart, Former Executive Director of Mekong Tourism & Former CEO of the Barbados Tourism Board, to discuss these issues, and many more, which were addressed at the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia Pacific in Cebu, the Philippines. The event addressed the opportunities and challenges ahead for food tourism across the region, and the issues that impact the food chain and agricultural production as tourism trends diversify. Gary and Jens also reflect on the key themes discussed by government delegations and affiliate members at the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commissions for East Asia & the Pacific and South Asia, also in Cebu. This week's show is adapted from the High-Yield Tourism Podcast. To find out more, visit: www.highyieldtourism.com