UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum puts focus on how gastronomy can promote tourism
Tanzania is set to host the Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for the Africa Region from April 23 to 25, in Arusha. The meeting that will promote gastronomy as an important segment of tourism will bring together over 300 stakeholders, including high-level leaders in tourism and hospitality, government officials, and food experts from across Africa and beyond.
This was announced by Pindi Chana, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania, during a media briefing following a preliminary visit by the UN Tourism Secretariat ahead of preparations for the event in Dar es Salaam.
According to a press statement by Tanzania Tourism, the decision to host the forum in Tanzania follows the success of the inaugural African Gastronomy Tourism Forum held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2024. Chana noted that Tanzania’s selection was based on the country’s demonstrated commitment to gastronomy tourism and its diverse culinary heritage.
The statement adds that the event is being organised in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the UN Tourism Organisation, and the Basque Culinary Centre. The forum aims to highlight the integral relationship between gastronomy and tourism, emphasizing its role in economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
During the announcement, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, commended Tanzania for its role as a member of the Executive Council and its ongoing contributions to the region’s tourism growth. She recalled Tanzania’s previous experience in hosting the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in 2022 and acknowledged the country’s commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism by hosting the forum’s second edition.
According to the statement, Grandcourt also congratulated Tanzania on its strong recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, citing a growth of over 50 pc in visitor arrivals. She also highlighted the country’s progress in improving air connectivity and facilitating travel through visa-on-arrival policies, reinforcing its attractiveness as a destination.
The statement adds that UN Tourism reiterated its commitment to supporting Tanzania in ensuring the success of this event, which is being jointly organised with the Basque Culinary Centre. The forum will feature panel discussions, expert-led sessions, and masterclasses aimed at exploring the strategic role of gastronomy in tourism development.
Tanzania Tourism says that as Tanzania prepares to host this significant event, stakeholders anticipate meaningful engagements that will contribute to positioning Africa’s culinary traditions as key drivers of tourism and economic growth.
"
