The UN Tourism is set to host its inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 26-28, 2024.
The forum, held under the patronage of Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and co-organized with Basque Culinary Center, aims to promote gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable and inclusive growth in the region. It seeks to harness the transformative power of gastronomy tourism to benefit local communities and territories across Africa.
The UN Tourism Forum aims to establish a roadmap for African Gastronomy Tourism, a key pillar of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa. The event brings together African Tourism Ministers, the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and experts to discuss strategies for promoting African gastronomy globally, developing policies, and driving development through gastronomy tourism.
The forum features technical visits, a pitch challenge for entrepreneurs, and keynotes on sustainable practices in gastronomy tourism, such as local sourcing and reducing food waste. The goal is to harness the potential of gastronomy tourism for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.
Experts and chefs will share their initiatives and experiences at the Forum, including Chef Fatmata Binta, UN Tourism Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, and others from Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tunisia. They will discuss the impact of their work on local communities, highlighting their role in driving positive change and promoting education and skills.
“A Journey through Zimbabwe’s Gastronomy” is the theme of the UN Tourism Youth Photo Contest, which will run from June 10 to July 1. This contest offers Zimbabwean communities a unique opportunity to capture the essence of their gastronomic heritage and share their perspective.
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Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of promoting gastronomy as a key pillar for sustainable tourism development in Africa. Under the patronage of the First Lady, the country has launched several initiatives, including the annual Regional Traditional Gastronomy Festival since 2019. Zimbabwe has also actively participated in previous World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism editions.
