Obama’s personal chef to promote US food tourism in Asia
Backing up his pledge to attract 100 million foreign visitors to the US by 2021, President Barack Obama hopes to entice visitors through a campaign highlighting the best of US food culture.
The President is even sending White House personal chef Sam Kass overseas to promote US cuisine to Asian food tourists.
Kass, who oversees the First Lady’s ‘Let’s Move’ anti-obesity food program, will head to Seoul as part of Independence Day celebrations to be held throughout the Asia pacific region.
The State Department said four other members of the so-called ‘American Chefs Corps’ will attend corresponding foodie events in Beijing, Canberra, Taipei and Tokyo.
State Department officials said it will be the start of a year-long campaign to promote "cross-cultural exchange through the shared experience of food."
Asia Pacific remains a key regional market for US tourism with Japan, China, South Korea and Australia all in the top 10 of nations sending the most foreign visitors.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026