On Monday, 30 June 2025, Catalonia officially launched the campaign “Catalunya, La Millor Cuina del Món” (Catalunya: The Best Cuisine in the World) to mark its title as a World Region of Gastronomy awarded by IGCAT. The launch took place at the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana, gathering over
The International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT) has Awarded Manabí the prestigious title of World Region of Gastronomy 2026, recognising the province’s outstanding commitment to celebrating its rich gastronomic traditions, cultural heritage, and sustainable, community-driven tourism. The award aligns with IGCAT’s core values: fostering regional collaboration, safeguarding
IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), proud partners of Slow Food, was present at the online seminar held on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to launch the new policy brief: “What’s the Deal? Making EU Agrifood Trade Work for Better Food Systems”. The policy brief from Slow Food urges the European Union
In a landmark development for African and MENA countries, Cap Bon (Tunisia) has been officially welcomed as a candidate for the World Region of Gastronomy 2028 Award, further reinforcing IGCAT’s global commitment to diversity, cultural richness, and inclusive development through gastronomy. The announcement was formally confirmed during IGCAT’s 12th Annual
IGCAT’s 36th Advisory Forum and 12th Annual General Meeting brought together 42 participants across multiple time zones. The event united global voices to support food diversity, sustainability, and culture. Held online, it showcased major achievements from the awarded and candidate World Regions of Gastronomy. It also approved strategic developments and
How culture, heritage, and tourism can drive social innovation and sustainable development was the central focus of the 12th Training Academy on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Torres Vedras, Portugal, from 11 to 13 June 2025. IGCAT was honoured to be invited to contribute to this exclusive
An international jury of five esteemed experts covering different sectors (including education, primary sector, biodiversity, culture, hospitality and tourism), accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Dr. Diane Dodd, convened to evaluate Dalmatia’s application for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027. Following the submission of the draft bid book, Central Dalmatia
We recently explored how regenerative, verified food systems can contribute to building more resilient and self-reliant gastronomy regions in the webinar “Building Regenerative Gastronomy through Verified Food Systems“, hosted by IGCAT in collaboration with our partner, Regenerative Vanua — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to fostering resilient island communities (Vanuas) in the Pacific.
The 29th Platform Meeting of the World Regions of Gastronomy took place in Sicily in May 5-9 2025, bringing together regional representatives, cultural and food experts, and key stakeholders committed to promoting sustainable food systems, local development, and regional cooperation through gastronomy. Hosted by Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025,
In celebration of food heritage and cultural identity, IGCAT’s 6th World Food Gift Challenge recognised 12 exceptional food and food-related craft products, selected by an international jury of experts. Hosted by Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025, the competition brought international recognition to artisanal producers whose unique gifts represent
In a celebratory move for Romanian gastronomy, Dobrogea has officially become a candidate for the European Region of Gastronomy 2029, following in the footsteps of Sibiu (2019), Harghita (2027) and candidate region Banat (candidate 2028). The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the 29th Platform Meeting hosted by Sicily, European
In a significant milestone for Romania’s culinary landscape, Banat officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism), confirming its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2028 and entry into the World region of Gastronomy Platform. The signing took place during the
Central Dalmatia officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism), confirming its candidacy for the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title. The signing was celebrated during the 29th Platform Meeting hosted by Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy 2025 – from 5–9 May 2025
The impactful potential of reducing single-use plastics to foster both cultural and systemic change took centre stage during the webinar The Power of Plastic Free July, hosted by IGCAT in collaboration with its valued partner, Plastic Free Foundation – a global non-profit organization working to end plastic waste and inspire
The critical role of genebanks in reviving crop diversity, reconnecting farmers with underutilized crop varieties, and strengthening local food systems was the subject of the webinar Connecting Genebanks with Farmers and Communities – Restoring Crop Diversity for Resilient Food Systems, hosted by IGCAT with guest speakers from recent partner, Crop
The Hotel Schools of Distinction (HSD) Annual Meeting, hosted by EUHT StPOL, brought together leading educators to explore the transformative power of storytelling and gamification in hospitality education. This gathering provided an opportunity for thought leaders to share innovative approaches to shaping the future of the industry. IGCAT’s President, Dr.
