Asir has been nominated as a global culinary region for 2024 to help it qualify for a prize from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission announced on Friday. The prize is granted every year to five regions worldwide. The nomination comes to encourage local communities to take pride in their culture and creative capabilities in the culinary sector. The commission said that the decision aimed to transfer the Kingdom’s culinary arts to the world and supported coordination between local bodies to promote the region at a local and international level. The selection of Asir for the IGCAT global award reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage as well as its distinctive dishes. It also stimulates the financing of government and private sectors in a way that contributes to the national economy. The commission added that the step would encourage sustainable tourism through improving local products and enhancing hospitality, while also helping to create small and medium-sized enterprises. Established in 2012, IGCAT, a nonprofit institute, aims to empower local communities by raising awareness to safeguard and promote distinct food, culture, arts, and sustainable tourism assets. — SG