UNWTO Announces ‘1st World Forum on Food Tourism’

The many links between gastronomy and tourism and the opportunities for closer cooperation between both areas will be explored at the 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism, to be held at Donostia-San Sebastián in Spain on 27-28 April.

Jointly organized by UNWTO and its affiliate member, the Basque Culinary Center, the 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism will provide a valuable platform to exchange experiences, enhance the understanding of food tourism and how to successfully manage this growing tourism segment worldwide.

“Getting a taste of local cuisine has become an essential part of the travelling experience, and as such gastronomy presents a vital opportunity to enrich the tourism offer and stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world, not the least in rural communities”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“I trust that this Forum will further strengthen the ability of food tourism to create local job opportunities and spur renewed interest in traditional cultural heritage.”

Topics such as the concept of food tourism, current trends, and the links between gastronomy and tourism branding are to be debated with international experts such as the former chef, best-selling author and television personality Anthony Bourdain, Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association, Erik Wolf, and renowned Spanish chef Pedro Subijana.

The event will also feature several workshops where participants will have the opportunity to interact closer with food and tourism professionals from across the globe and learn more about branding, strategy and key success factors for food tourism destinations among other topics.

For further information and registration, press here.