The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa will take place in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from 23 to 25 April 2025, bringing together a cross-section of tourism leaders, culinary experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Convened by UN Tourism, in partnership with the Basque Culinary Center and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the forum will serve as a platform for advancing the role of gastronomy tourism in Africa’s sustainable development framework.
With a focus on unlocking the continent’s rich culinary assets as catalysts for economic diversification, community empowerment, and cultural preservation, the forum will feature high-level discussions on tourism value chains, education, job creation, and destination competitiveness. Through strategic dialogue and knowledge-sharing, the event aims to position African gastronomy at the core of the continent’s tourism identity while reinforcing its global appeal.
The 2025 program will explore the role of gastronomy in enhancing destination competitiveness through several interlinked themes:
• Strengthening the Tourism Value Chain: Strategies for linking food production, culinary experiences, and tourism services to generate sustainable local economic impact.
• Fostering Talent and Education: Enhancing capacity building, training, and knowledge transfer to support the emergence of a skilled workforce within the gastronomy tourism sector.
• Preserving Cultural Heritage: Showcasing Africa’s culinary practices, traditions, and narratives as integral components of destination identity.
• Sustainability and Local Food Systems: Examining food tourism’s potential to contribute to sustainable consumption, climate resilience, and the empowerment of small-scale producers.
• Strategic Branding and Communication: Positioning African gastronomy in the global tourism marketplace through coherent storytelling, destination marketing, and brand development.
In addition to the thematic sessions, the Forum will feature live culinary demonstrations, case studies, and policy exchanges designed to deepen stakeholder engagement and inspire new partnerships. The event is expected to catalyze long-term regional cooperation and practical outcomes that align with UN Tourism’s overarching goal: to embed tourism as a force for inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.
