The Middle East welcomed the world’s culinary elite to the UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, earlier this week, where sustainability and community empowerment were at the forefront of discussions.

Held in Manama from 18-19 November, the 9th edition of the UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism welcomed 500 delegates from 50 countries. Co-organised by the Basque Culinary Center and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Bahrain, the Forum was suitably themed “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion”.

Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, Her Excellency Ms. Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, expressed pride in hosting the event and emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leading gastronomy tourism destination in the Middle East.

“This forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with international experts and thought leaders, allowing us to share insights and best practices that drive sustainable growth within the gastronomy sector. As we explore innovative approaches to enhance our culinary offerings, we remain committed to fostering economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and community engagement,” she said.

UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, underscored gastronomy tourism’s transformative potential in his opening address: “Gastronomy tourism is a powerful tool for economic diversification and community empowerment, especially in regions like the Middle East, where culinary traditions are a unique strength. By advancing policies that promote inclusivity and sustainability, we can unlock its full potential.”

Commenting on the ability of gastronomy tourism to drive economic growth and social change, Basque Culinary Center’s Director General, Joxe Mari Aizega, stated, “In an increasingly globalised world, respecting local culinary authenticity and diversity becomes a key driver in creating sustainable destinations. Now is time to promote initiatives that support economic growth and strengthen the social structure, regional cohesion, and commitment to environmental sustainability, turning gastronomy into a bridge that connects cultures and fosters equitable development.

Highlights from the two day event:

• A Ministerial Dialogue, where ministers from Bahrain, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia discussed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of gastronomy tourism and policies to achieve this goal.
• A panel discussion with representatives from Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar exploing how Arab cuisine can be used as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.
• Discussions on the role of gastronomy in shaping a destination’s brand identity.
• Renowned chefs including Sergio Torres, Deepanker Khosla, and Alejandra Espinoza discussed the power of gastronomy to drive economic growth and cultural exchange.
• The appointment of new UN Ambassadors for Gastronomy Tourism – 2-Michelin-starred Chef Diego Guerrero from Spain, 1-Michelin-starred Chef Rudolf Štefan from Croatia, and Chef Tala Bashmi from Bahrain.
• A forum discussion on how sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and sourcing locally, can help shape a more resilient and environmentally friendly gastronomy tourism industry.
• A deep dive into the latest technological advancements shaping the future of gastronomy tourism, with Meta providing insights into the power of social media and digital tools.
• The 4th UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition showed the power of innovation to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in the tourism sector, where Argentina’s Agrojusto was recognised for its groundbreaking ideas and potential to revolutionise the industry.
• The launching of three scholarships by Basque Culinary Center and UN Tourism for its online course in Gastronomy Tourism Experience Design, starting in March 2025, where the aim is to provide professionals in the gastronomy tourism sector access to specialised training. Applications close 19 December 2024.

Catch up on the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism sessions