UN Tourism Convenes First Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe to host UN Tourism's 1st African Gastronomy Tourism Forum (26-28 July 2024)
UN Tourism is hosting its inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa.
The forum takes place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from July 26-28, 2024.
According to UN Tourism, the forum focuses on harnessing the power of food tourism for sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.
Held under the patronage of Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, and co-organised with the Basque Culinary Center, the event aims to develop a unified strategy for African Gastronomy Tourism aligned with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa.
Key Discussion Points
- Elevating African Cuisine: Developing strategies to propel African gastronomy onto the global stage.
- Supportive Policies: Fostering policies that enhance gastronomy tourism’s role in development.
- Sustainable Practices: Highlighting sustainable practices in food tourism, including local sourcing and minimizing food waste.
Forum Activities
Ministerial Discussions: African Tourism Ministers and the FAO Zimbabwe Representative will participate in high-level discussions.
Entrepreneurial Pitch Challenge: Entrepreneurs will present innovative solutions for regional gastronomy and tourism challenges.
Expert Presentations: Renowned chefs and representatives like Chef Fatmata Binta (UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism) will share their initiatives and their impact on local communities.
Technical Visits: Organized tours will showcase the region’s diverse culinary scene.
UNWTO Youth Photo Contest: A photo contest, “A Journey through Zimbabwe’s Gastronomy” has been launched to offer a platform for Zimbabwean communities to capture the essence of their nation’s gastronomic heritage.
