HRRAC opens culinary event to non-members

CEBU, Philippines — Extracting all avenues for Cebu to maximize prospects in tourism, the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association in Cebu (HRRAC) will boost Cebu's potential in food or culinary tourism.

Through its annual "Cebu Goes Culinary" event, HRRAC will promote Cebu's edge in food tourism, showcasing the different and unique food preparations of its members, as well as those that come from neighboring provinces.

HRRAC president Carlo Suarez announced that the "Cebu Goes Culinary" that will be held on September this year, will be one of the biggest in recent years.

In the last few years, this particular event attracted participants and observers from other provinces and regions. This time, Suarez said HRRAC is also partnering with a national organization to spur its prominence.

This particular event is not only an important marketing tool to magnify Cebu's food tourism edge, but also to showcase and develop talents in the culinary sphere, a growing number of whom are already making names in the international scene.

According to Suarez, "Cebu Goes Culinary 2018" will not only limit its doors to HHRAC members, but also for non-members who want to showcase their culinary prowess to the market.

Food or Culinary tourism is the exploration of food as the purpose of tourism. It is now considered a vital component of tourism experience. Dining out is common among tourists and "food is believed to rank alongside climate, accommodation and scenery" in importance to tourists.

This is the reason why, Suarez said "Cebu Goes Culinary" will take its important role in promoting the culinary tourism in Cebu.

Cebu Association of Tour Operations Specialists (CATOS) president Alice Queblatin confirmed the food tourism attraction in Cebu is gaining traction.

Suarez added that details of the upcoming event on September, while organizers are drawing up plans to surprise and excite the market with new and fresh twists of the long-standing HRRAC annual event. (FREEMAN)