MANDAUE CITY - Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco on Thursday highlighted gastronomy tourism, noting that this makes ASEAN member states distinct from other nations. During the 29th meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, Frasco said ASEAN member states would strengthen gastronomy tourism, saying that it also supports local farmers, fisherfolks, and even small businesses. Gastronomy tourism is not only an experience, it is identity and livelihood, sustaining farmers, fishers, artisans and small enterprises, and keeping tourism rooted in culture and community,'' she said. According to Frasco, ASEAN tourism is moving forward with unity, credibility, and results that the people can actually feel. Earlier, the Department of Tourism said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has accepted the Philippines’ proposal to host the gastronomy forum.