SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2024 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) successfully convened its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The event, held under the patronage of Zimbabwe's First Lady, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and in partnership with the Basque Culinary Center, marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable tourism and culinary development throughout the continent.
Elevating Africa's Culinary Heritage
The forum brought together a diverse assembly of over 200 delegates from 33 countries, including government officials, representatives from international organizations, chefs, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. The discussions centered on harnessing the power of gastronomy tourism to drive economic growth, empower local communities, and showcase Africa's rich culinary heritage to the world.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted the significance of the forum, stating, "We leave Victoria Falls with a roadmap that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet."
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Gastronomy Tourism
The forum's agenda addressed a wide range of topics, including:
- Integrating Gastronomy into National Tourism Policies: Participants emphasized the need to incorporate culinary experiences into national tourism strategies to attract a wider range of visitors and enhance the overall tourism offering.
- Showcasing African Cuisine: The importance of promoting and celebrating Africa's diverse culinary traditions was underscored, with a focus on creating unique and authentic food tourism experiences.
- Empowering Local Communities: Discussions centered on how gastronomy tourism can empower local communities by creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and preserving cultural heritage.
- Sustainability and Innovation: The forum highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices in the culinary sector, including sourcing local ingredients, reducing food waste, and promoting responsible tourism.
- Skills Development and Education: The establishment of the Zimbabwe International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts and the provision of 100 UN Tourism Academy online scholarships underscore the commitment to nurturing culinary talent across Africa.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge, a highlight of the forum, showcased five innovative projects aimed at improving gastronomy and tourism value chains. The competition's winner, Gracia Bvute from Zimbabwe,presented her project, Pabvute Gourmet, which focuses on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for African Gastronomy Tourism
The successful conclusion of the first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa signals a promising future for the sector. The forum's outcomes, including the establishment of the culinary academy and the appointment of new UN Tourism Ambassadors, pave the way for continued growth and development in this burgeoning field.
The second edition of the forum, set to be held in Tanzania, will build upon the momentum generated in Victoria Falls and further solidify Africa's position as a global culinary destination. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, gastronomy tourism is poised to play a pivotal role in Africa's economic and social development.