Why Japan and Colombia Should Be on Every Food Lover’s List 2024
Tourist destinations not only offer entertainment and an immersion into different cultures but also represent an opportunity to explore and enjoy local cuisine. As Confucius said, “To know how to eat is to know how to live,” and on these journeys, you never stop learning… or eating!
In the search for unique culinary experiences, Japan stands out as the Ivy League of world gastronomy.
In the international gastronomic scene, Japan occupies a prominent place, attracting travelers and food lovers from around the globe. Recognized in prestigious digital magazines like Travel + Leisure and National Geographic, this country is renowned for its traditional cuisine, washoku, which is distinguished not only by its exquisite taste but also by its focus on sustainability and respect for nature. The inclusion of washoku as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage underscores its cultural importance and value.
In addition to its rich culinary tradition, Japanese culture is known for matcha, a green tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years and whose demand continues to increase. Although its origin is attributed to China, Japan has adopted and elevated this beverage to a symbol of its gastronomic identity.
Colombia as the New Bet, Beyond Its Coffee…
On the other hand, Colombia emerges as a new contender on the world gastronomic map. While its tourism reputation has grown in recent years due to its economic appeal, its cuisine has also captured the attention of travelers. The diversity of cultural influences in Colombia, from Africa and Arabia to the Caribbean and Spain, is reflected in the complexity and richness of its dishes. Moreover, the fertility of its land and its various climatic conditions favor the production of a wide variety of fresh, high-quality products.
In summary, both Japan and Colombia offer unique culinary experiences that combine tradition, innovation, and rich cultural diversity. These destinations not only satisfy the most discerning palates but also provide a window into the stories, flavors, and traditions that shape their gastronomic identity.
Michelin Restaurants You Can’t Miss
One of life's greatest pleasures is enjoying a good dish, and even more so when it's a new gastronomic experience. For any traveler, gastronomy is one of the main reasons for traveling. According to a study conducted by the digital travel agency Booking, 88% of travelers state that one of their main motivations when choosing a destination is tasting local cuisine. Therefore, I wanted to create a list to share the best cities with Michelin-starred restaurants, as this distinction guarantees an explosion of flavors and culinary authenticity. While it's true that traveling doesn't necessarily mean doing it in a group, solo trips are also ideal for spontaneous getaways, moments of reflection, or even self-discovery. If you enjoy traveling alone and have Singapore on your list of destinations, you can't miss Burnt Ends. The experience begins the moment you enter the restaurant, which boasts a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere. With one Michelin star, Burnt Ends offers an open kitchen where you can appreciate the cooking process of the dishes, with meat being their main specialty. If you're a wine lover, they have an interesting wine list. On the other hand, if you find yourself in the city that never sleeps, New York, Le
Emerging Destinations for Adventure Tourism in 2024
Tourism is an activity with reciprocal benefits for both the visitor and the destination country. According to Statista, the tourism industry is responsible for creating over 290 million jobs, both direct and indirect. Despite being affected globally by the Covid-19 pandemic, the sector's recovery has surpassed predictions. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, considering 2023 data, international tourism is expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in 2024, attributed to market recovery. Top Destinations Among the most popular regions, Europe leads as the most visited destination, followed by the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Based on these findings, I want to share the countries emerging as adventure tourism destinations in 2024, according to the latest rankings. As mentioned earlier, Europe continues to lead as the most visited continent, with France topping the list. France receives up to 77.5 million travelers annually, according to National Geographic. Besides the famous city of love, Paris, France offers diverse attractions with its historical, artistic, and cultural heritage. Following France is Spain, which stands out for its diversity in monuments, culture, and gastronomy, along with its coasts, beaches, and fishing villages. In Latin America, Mexico is emerging as a growing destination. According to Forbes, by February 2024, international tourism in Mexico
The Current Dilemmas of the Gastronomic Sector
In the vast world of gastronomy, where flavors intertwine with experiences and opportunities, a challenging panorama emerges. From the influence of new policies to changing trends in consumption and the effects of climate change, enthusiasts in this sector must do more than just be prepared; they must adapt to consider new innovations that allow them to thrive amid constantly evolving challenges. Impact of Healthy Taxes and Single-Use Plastic In some countries, rather than merely requesting, the implementation of measures to promote sustainability, such as regulation on single-use plastic, has been demanded. This has led to a series of financial adjustments in the gastronomic sector, especially in countries like Colombia. Although these measures aim to promote more environmentally friendly practices, the reality is that even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on the operating costs of establishments. Faced with this panorama, entrepreneurs face the challenge of balancing the adoption of these measures with profitability, while also maintaining attractive prices for consumers. It is essential to develop strategies that allow compliance with regulations for a greener future, without compromising the economic viability of businesses. The Rise of Conscious Eating The current consumer trend has undergone a significant change, and the gastronomic sector is no