Tanzania is set to host the Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for the Africa Region from April 23 to 25, 2025, in Arusha. The forum is expected to bring together over 300 stakeholders, including high-level leaders in tourism and hospitality, government officials, and food experts from across Africa and beyond.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana (MP), during a media briefing following a preliminary visit by the UN Tourism Secretariat ahead of preparations for the event on February 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. The decision to host the forum in Tanzania follows the success of the inaugural African Gastronomy Tourism Forum held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2024. Minister Chana noted that Tanzania’s selection was based on the country’s demonstrated commitment to gastronomy tourism and its diverse culinary heritage.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the UN Tourism Organization, and the Basque Culinary Center. The forum aims to highlight the integral relationship between gastronomy and tourism, emphasizing its role in economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
During the announcement, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, commended Tanzania for its role as a member of the Executive Council and its ongoing contributions to the region’s tourism growth. She recalled Tanzania’s previous experience in hosting the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in 2022 and acknowledged the country’s commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism by hosting the forum’s second edition.
Grandcourt further congratulated Tanzania on its strong recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a +50% growth in visitor arrivals. She also highlighted the country’s progress in improving air connectivity and facilitating travel through visa-on-arrival policies, reinforcing its attractiveness as a destination.
UN Tourism reiterated its commitment to supporting Tanzania in ensuring the success of this event, which is being jointly organized with the Basque Culinary Center. The forum will feature panel discussions, expert-led sessions, and masterclasses aimed at exploring the strategic role of gastronomy in tourism development.
As Tanzania prepares to host this significant event, stakeholders anticipate meaningful engagements that will contribute to positioning Africa’s culinary traditions as key drivers of tourism and economic growth.
