Record Turnout for UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Conference in Thailand

Bangkok (Thailand) – June 1, 2018 (travelindex.com) – A record 475 delegates from 52 countries have turned up for the 4th UNWTO Forum on Gastronomy Tourism which opened today in Bangkok, the first time it is being held in Asia.

The conference 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 is being 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 San Sebastian Region Bar, Restaurants and Hotels Association had a strong representation with its President Mr. Mikel Ubarrechena Pisón and General Manager Mr. Kino Martinez in attendance.

The conference is 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 related their gastronomy tourism strategies to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.

International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi
Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246