UN Tourism Forum in Tanzania Highlights Growing Importance of Gastronomy Tourism in Africa

Gastronomy has emerged as a significant motivator for travellers, as highlighted during the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa held in Arusha, Tanzania this April.

According to statistics shared by UN Tourism Chief of Tourism Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness, Sandra Carvao:

81% of travellers agree that trying local food is the part of travelling they look forward to most
79% of travellers agree they like to explore new food options on a trip
37% of travellers plan an entire trip around visiting a specific restaurant.

These insights, along with the participation of over 400 attendees from 30 countries at the event, underscore Africa’s commitment to leveraging gastronomy tourism as a key driver for social and economic development.

Celebrating Culinary Richness

Co-organised with the Basque Culinary Center, the forum celebrated the continent’s culinary diversity and marked a significant step toward enhanced cooperation among stakeholders in tourism and gastronomy, including producers, chefs, entrepreneurs, tour operators, and tourism ministries.

In his opening remarks, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commended Tanzania for prioritising gastronomy tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development. He stated: “Gastronomy is about much more than food. It reflects the culture, heritage, traditions, and sense of community of peoples everywhere. It creates an image of a destination and leaves lasting impressions on visitors. It leaves people wanting to come back for more… And, in turn, it delivers many benefits to producers, entrepreneurs, and many others in the value chain.”

Priorities for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa

Discussions at the forum focused on establishing policy frameworks, featuring contributions from the Ministers of Tourism of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Deputy Minister of South Africa, along with the FAO Representative in Tanzania.

His Excellency Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, emphasised the political commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism. He called for:

Greater visibility of Africa’s diverse food cultures
Stronger regional branding
Enhanced collaboration with local producers
Sustainable practices

Dr. Mpango highlighted the sector’s potential to drive tourism, strengthen food systems, empower women, and promote healthy eating across the continent.

Key Initiatives and Partnerships

The forum identified education, targeted national strategies, communication, and product development as critical priorities for advancing gastronomy tourism in Africa.

To support this initiative, the UN Tourism Secretary-General announced 100 scholarships for African students to participate in the UN Tourism Online Academy, aimed at strengthening the skills of national tourism professionals in gastronomy and culinary arts.

Additionally, UN Tourism and Chefs in Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Led by Chef Dieuveil Malonga, Chefs in Africa is a digital professional network dedicated to showcasing emerging culinary talents from Africa and the diaspora. The partnership will focus on advocacy, promotion, and skills development to enhance gastronomy tourism across the continent.

The forum also stressed the importance of strengthening local food ecosystems by:

Engaging with producers
Safeguarding culinary heritage through the promotion of native crops
Documenting traditional recipes and processes
Developing sustainable food systems

Participants emphasised the need to elevate the regional and global image of African cuisine, highlighting the role of food festivals, cultural events, and storytelling in showcasing the continent’s culinary identity and reshaping global perceptions.

Chef Nti, a South African restaurateur and entrepreneur, called for inclusion in gastronomy tourism, stating: “We need chefs and stakeholders, storytellers in the industry, to take center stage in telling our own stories. We want collaboration with the government. Chefs should be at the forefront, partnering with government bodies like SA Tourism.”

Looking Ahead

The UN Forum will return next year for its third edition in Sierra Leone.

In the meantime, engage in the gastronomy tourism conversation at the SA Chef Conference & Expo 2025, taking place in Joburg on August 11-12. Register Now.