Tag Archives: gastronomy tourism

The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, on 18-19 November, under the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.” This marks the first time the Forum will be held in the Middle East. Bringing together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs, the event will emphasize the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in advancing economic resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and building a strong image for destinations. Co-organized with the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, discussions will feature Ministers of Tourism from around the world and from the Middle East. Joining them will be award-winning chefs, such as Chef Alejandra Espinoza of Somos Restaurant (Ecuador), and Chef Rudolf Stefan of Konoba Pelegrini (Croatia). Key participation will include Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director of 50 Best, empowering chefs worldwide, and fostering a global dialogue that elevates gastronomy as a fundamental cultural, economic, and creative force. The forum will highlight key initiatives that emphasize product quality and origins, such as Jordan’s “From Farm to Fork” initiative, an example of sustainable culinary tourism, and the Collège Culinaire de France, recognized for promoting quality dining and supporting artisans committed to preserving traditional savoir-faire. The event will also showcase Grupo Sagardi from Spain, a leading hospitality group that builds on gastronomic roots to offer authentic, high-quality culinary experiences. In line with discussions on leveraging intangible cultural heritage, the forum will explore key themes such as the use of intellectual property and branding to enhance destination branding, the preservation of culinary heritage and biodiversity, and the promotion of authentic, immersive cultural experiences that engage the entire gastronomy tourism value chain. Experts …

The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific will take place in Cebu, The Philippines, on 26-27 June 2024. Organized in conjunction with the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific & the UN Tourism Commission for South Asia (36th CAP-CSA), it will mark the first time that the Gastronomy Forum is taken to the regional level. First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Forum for Asia and the Pacific Following its global success, the Forum, annually organized by UN Tourism and its Affiliate Member, the Basque Culinary Center (BCC), is now set to make its regional debut. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, this inaugural regional edition promises to serve as a meeting point for experts and member states dedicated to enhancing the role of gastronomy tourism in destination development. The Forum will host a Ministerial dialogue to discuss policies to advance a roadmap on gastronomy tourism in the region. Underscoring the significance of preserving local traditions and protecting the land and products for the development of sustainable gastronomy tourism, a panel debate will discuss innovative strategies with examples from Japan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The event will also welcome the participation of destinations and experts actively engaged in the advancement of gastronomy tourism as a tool for social inclusiveness, such as UN Tourism Ambassador Chef Margarita Fores, as well as Chef Vicky Cheng from Hong Kong (China); Lionel Dabbadie, the FAO representative for the Philippines, along with representatives from JTB Corporation – the largest travel agency in Japan – and representatives from Jeju Tourism Organization (Republic of Korea), to present on two of the Best …