UN Tourism to host African gastronomy forum in Zimbabwe
In a landmark move to promote sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa, the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) is set to host its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 26-28 July 2024.
Under the patronage of Zimbabwe's First Lady, Dr Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and co-organised with the Basque Culinary Center, the forum aims to harness the transformative power of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities. A key goal is developing a unified strategy for African gastronomy as a central pillar of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa.
African Tourism Ministers, the FAO Zimbabwe Representative and gastronomy experts, including Chefs Fatmata Binta, Adenike Adefila and Mounir El Arem, will participate in discussions on elevating African cuisine globally, supportive policies and using gastronomy tourism as a development driver. An entrepreneurial pitch challenge and technical visits are also planned.
Highlighting innovation, sustainability and rural development, the forum aligns with Zimbabwe's commitment to position gastronomy as crucial for sustainable tourism, exemplified by its annual Regional Traditional Gastronomy Festival endorsed by the First Lady. A UN Tourism youth photo contest, "A Journey through Zimbabwe's Gastronomy", further engages local communities.
Source: UN Tourism
