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Gastronomy Tourism Proposals in Greece Up for Discussion
Posted On 02 Feb 2021
Tag: Enotourism, foodie travel Greece, gastronomy, gastronomy and tourism ideas, gastronomy tourism, gastronomy tourism Greece, Greece culinary, Greece gastronomy, Greece tourism and travel, Greece travel, Greek Cuisine, Greek gastronomy and tourism, Greek tourism, Greek Tourism Ministry, Harry Theoharis, innovation
Photo source: Visit Greece
A series of proposals for the development of gastronomy tourism in Greece, including product certification, special training, and a gastronomy map are now open for public consultation, the Tourism Ministry announced on Tuesday.
The recommendations, drawn up last year by a specially designated working group, include the introduction of a Special Quality Label to be granted by the ministry for Greek cuisine; the creation of a gastronomic map of Greece; providing education in culinary tourism for sector professionals; establishing a dedicated body which will develop, promote and market Greek gastronomy; setting up a gastronomic tourism observatory.
The results of the public discussion here will be used to finalize a national strategy for the development of gastronomy tourism, the ministry said, which will center on four key areas: products, nutrition and gastronomy, dining, and tourism.
Photo source: Visit Greece
“Greek Gastronomy, understood as Greek cuisine, dining and raw materials, has the potential to become one of the three main reasons tourists, Greeks and foreigners choose our country as a vacation destination,” said Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, admitting that for years the tourism activity had been “neglected”.
“We believe that the main goal for Greek gastronomy is its development and interconnection with other sectors of the Greek economy, such as primary production,” said the minister, adding that the development of the relevant activities will create the conditions for tourists visiting Greece to seek and buy local products in their own country as well as return to Greece “with the intention of increasing their spending”.
Finally!!! A truly sensible proposal that is years overdue. I’ve been ‘banging on’ about Gastro-Tourism here in Greece for years, but no one seems to listen or care.
I already provide food ‘experiences’ in Kefalonia for a while now, working as much as I can with locally sourced / produced products much to the delight of my clients. What I have continually found frustrating though, over the years is the bureaucracy / red tape and general lack of willingness to support or help any innovative start ups and encourage the production / export of wonderful Greek produce.It seems impossible at times to find the information you need including certification / health and safety information.
Greece is a world class destination with a Gastronomy scene that could easily match that of Italy, Spain and France. But from my experience, many (local) people just take it for granted that the country has such a plethora of world class produce and are happy to see it go to waste. Certainly in the smaller regions of Greece as well, local producers do not have the knowledge or understanding of how this sector or tourism works, nor have been offered the incentives. Hopefully this is about to change.
I sincerely hope that the relevant Government departments fully look into and commit to this and don’t just ‘talk’ about it, as it’s way overdue in my opinion.
Fantastic, look at the cretan diet how famous and well-known but Greece not taking advantage of it to promote enough the destination.
I am particularly attracted to Greek resorts with excellent cuisine. Having spent much time (years) visiting both Greek islands (and sometimes the mainland) my favourites include Lindos, Rhodes, Sifnos and Naxos. I am pleased that measures are being put in place to improve the Greek offering. In my view one of the best aspects of a visit to Greece is the welcome I receive when I arrive/return. There is something very special about Greek hospitality which is just as important as gastronomy.
This is a fantastic idea and should have been done years ago. Look at France if you need any ideas. Promote Greece’s culinary delights of which there are many.
This is a great point. All my international friends when visiting Greece, they always comment in how the Greek Cuisine is health, delicious and they wish they could eat this type of food all year around. Other countries already explore their cuisine as a way to attract tourist. It would be great to structure and formalize this aspect with a special quality label.