In a significant step towards promoting its rich culinary heritage, Nordland officially signed a Protocol Agreement on 15 September, marking its entry as a candidate for the prestigious European Region of Gastronomy title (possibly as early as 2028). The agreement was signed by Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT (International
The scenic Saimaa region, recognised as the European Region of Gastronomy 2024, recently welcomed over 30 representatives from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) and the World Regions of Gastronomy Platform spanning 16 different countries. During an intense week of knowledge exchange, education, and culinary exploration,
By Angela Symons – Euro News The EU’s Nature Restoration Law, a landmark regulation, has been approved after extensive deliberations. This first-of-its-kind law aims to restore Europe’s damaged ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. Alain Maron, Brussels’ environment minister, emphasized the urgency of environmental protection. Environmental groups, including The Nature Conservancy, have
In a landmark moment for Vanuatu, the Global Regenerative Agritourism Symposium saw the signing of a protocol to support Vanuatu’s candidacy for the World Region of Gastronomy Award in 2027. This significant event was part of the symposium hosted by Regenerative Vanua in Mangaliliu Nakamal and led by Mr. Jerry Spooner, Executive Director
By obtaining the status of UN Tourism Affiliate Member, IGCAT has recently joined a network of 500 members spanning from companies to educational and research institutions, destinations and NGOs from all over the globe, committed to promote sustainable tourism development. IGCAT was officially welcomed as an Affiliate Member during the
By UN Tourism UN Tourism is to host its first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, advancing its work to make gastronomy tourism a pillar for sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. The Forum will be held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on 26-28 July 2024. Hosted under the
An international jury comprising four experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd, PhD, evaluated the application of the Crete region for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book, Crete: Experience the Gastronomic Magic of Simplicity submitted on December 5, 2023, the jury visited the
Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025 celebrated the 2nd edition of the Bite and Mos Awards to recognise the fundamental role played by creators of food and wine digital content in promoting this type of tourism and, at the same time, value Catalonia as a leading food and wine
UN Tourism has launched the 4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition, organized in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center. The competition aims to accelerate gastronomy tourism initiatives in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It seeks to identify challenges, catalyze innovations, and promote projects that can transform the
An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Kvarner region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2026. After reviewing the bid book: Diversity is Beautiful submitted on 5 December 2023, the jury visited the region, 13-17 May 2024.
The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, of which IGCAT is a signatory, aims to facilitate an ongoing dialogue, sharing of best practices, and collaborative efforts among its signatories. On 14-15 May 2024 they will organise the second Global Roundtable for Tourism Climate Action. The Community of Practice for
14 international guests from 11 awarded and candidate regions gathered in Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024 to celebrate the 27th World Regions of Gastronomy Platform meeting (22-25 April), exchanging best practices and knowledge with the local stakeholders. Hosted by the Culinary Arts Commission of the Ministry of Culture
Gastronomy as a key to local development, cross-sectoral collaboration, engaging local communities, the importance of education and life-long learning to secure a sustainable future, were among the topics discussed at the 10th IGCAT Experts Meeting hosted by Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024 on 22 April 2024. Organised at
In celebration of food and cultural diversity, IGCAT’s 5th World Food Gift Challenge awarded 10 unique food and food-related craft products, selected by an international jury of experts. Hosted by Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024, the competition put the international spotlight on local producers who manufacture fine, one-of-a-kind
Catalonia has launched an ambitious campaign to secure further endorsement for its World Region of Gastronomy 2025 title, a distinction that has already garnered considerable support from nearly 200 entities across various sectors. This initiative is poised to showcase Catalonia’s rich culinary heritage and elevate its status as a premier
Community empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development were just some of the key subjects to be addressed on 25 March 2024, in a 1st meeting of African experts from the IGCAT Global Expert Network. During the meeting, renowned experts from across the African continent, including Yasmine Fofana from Côte d’Ivoire, Joyce Gyebi from
