Africa commits to advance gastronomy tourism
Travel Biz News —
The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa reinforced the region’s growing commitment to make gastronomy tourism a key driver in social and economic development.
Co-organized with the Basque Culinary Center, the event celebrated the continent’s culinary richness and represented a strong step towards stronger cooperation among tourism and gastronomy stakeholders – producers, chefs, entrepreneurs, tour operators and ministries of tourism.
The Forum was officially opened by Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, underscoring the political commitment to advance gastronomy tourism in the country. He called for greater visibility of African diverse food cultures, stronger regional branding, enhanced collaboration with local producers, and more sustainable practices, highlighting the sector’s potential to drive tourism, strengthen food systems, empower women and promote the consumption of healthy foods across the continent.
On the occasion, UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili praised Tanzania for having placed gastronomy tourism high on its agenda for economic growth, culture preservation and community development.
Bringing together over 400 participants from 30 countries, the Forum discussions focused on policy frameworks with the participation of the Ministers of Tourism of Tanzania, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Deputy Minister of South Africa, as well as the FAO Representative in Tanzania.
Participants also emphasized the need to elevate the regional and global image of African cuisine, highlighting the role of food festivals, cultural events, and storytelling in showcasing the continent’s culinary identity and reshaping perceptions worldwide.
Building on its continued success, the Regional Forum – part of UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – is consolidating as a strategic platform gastronomy tourism in the region placing the issue higher on the tourism agenda. The Forum will return for a third edition, to be held in Sierra Leone.
26 April 2025
