In recent years, gastronomy tourism has emerged as a compelling travel motivation, offering authentic experiences that resonate with the burgeoning interest in culinary culture among discerning travellers. This trend not only presents vast opportunities for sustainable development, cultural exchange, and community empowerment but also signifies a profound shift in how travellers seek to connect with local communities.
Recognising the pivotal role of gastronomy in tourism development, the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent in promoting this sector as a key driver of Africa’s competitiveness on the global tourism stage. This inaugural event will be held in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, a destination renowned for its natural splendour and vibrant cultural heritage.
Africa’s gastronomic heritage is both rich and diverse, yet it is often overlooked by tourists. The continent’s flavours narrate stories of cultural traditions, from ancient recipes to contemporary innovations. African cuisine reflects a fusion of influences, merging ancestral recipes with the creativity of modern chefs who elevate local specialties and ingredients, inviting the world to experience the depth and richness of African gastronomy.
Gastronomy tourism encompasses all stakeholders within a destination’s gastronomy and tourism value chains—producers, processing firms, the hospitality sector, retail, and other service providers. It extends beyond dining experiences, creating a profound connection between food and rural landscapes, and thereby exerting a significant impact on rural development. By safeguarding gastronomic heritage and culinary traditions, gastronomy tourism initiatives play a crucial role in supporting local communities and offering travellers authentic insights into the traditions, history, and flavours of a destination.
The inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls will bring together destinations and international experts to explore the transformative potential of gastronomy tourism. Through knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices, this forum aims to harness the power of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities and the environment, fostering regional cohesion and resilience.
The forum’s opening ceremony will feature remarks from several distinguished guests, including Zimbabwe’s Hon. Richard Moyo (MP), Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North , Mr. Joxe Mari Aizega, Director General of the Basque Culinary Center, and Hon. Minister Prof. A. Murwira (MP), Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development. Additionally, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General, and Hon. Barbara Rwodzi (MP), Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, will introduce the First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, who serves as the Patron for Tourism in Zimbabwe.
A highlight of the event will be the recognition ceremony led by Mr. Pololikashvili, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Zimbabwe International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. This initiative aims to develop a strategy to propel African gastronomy onto the global scene, featuring conversations with renowned chefs such as Chef Yohanis from Ethiopia’s Weyra and Asa Bet restaurants.
An innovative feature of the forum is the UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Tourism Pitch Challenge. This competition will spotlight five entrepreneurs who will present scalable, locally crafted solutions addressing regional challenges within the gastronomy and tourism value chains. The challenge aims to drive innovation in Africa, with a jury selecting the winner to be announced at the end of the session.
The event will also include interactive sessions encouraging participants to engage in conversations about the current challenges and opportunities for African gastronomy tourism. These discussions will collectively define the essential pillars for its advancement, ensuring that the dialogue remains dynamic and inclusive.
The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa promises to be a landmark event, underscoring the immense potential of gastronomy tourism to transform local economies and enhance cultural exchange. Held in the stunning setting of Victoria Falls, this initiative highlights how Africa’s rich culinary heritage can gain the recognition it deserves on the global stage, offering travellers an unparalleled journey through the continent’s diverse and delectable landscapes.
