Image: istock.com/kizilkayaphotos via AFP Relaxnews

A United Nations-organized meeting attended by 600 leaders and decision-makers in the global travel industry wrapped up in Bangkok, Friday, concluding that the gastronomy tourism industry can do more to harness the powers of technology in the promotion of culinary heritage.

At the 4th annual World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism held in Bangkok, attendees discussed the untapped ways technology could be used to help with areas like sustainable development, food waste, storytelling and engagement.

“Gastronomy is about people and places, to tell a story; value the tangible and intangible; harnessing technology as a tool to preserve and promote authenticity in local communities, enhancing the consumer experience,” reads one of the objectives in the concluding report.

Attendees also discussed the importance of social media in engaging with consumers, fostering user-generated content, and acknowledged the need to upgrade skills and implement new training and education.

Last year’s forum called on the public and private sectors, producers, business, professional and travel institutions to support and promote sustainable consumption and improve links with local producers.

The next forum takes place in San Sebastian, Spain, and the year after that (2020) will be held in Flanders, Belgium. JB

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