People and the planet, sources of gastronomic tourism

Held under the theme "Food Tourism for People and Planet: Innovate, Empower and Preserve", the 7th UNWTO Global Forum on Food Tourism will take place from 12 to 15 December. Organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) and hosted by the Nara Prefectural Government, with the support of the Japan Tourism Agency, the event will highlight the role of gastronomy tourism as a platform for development, empowerment of women and youth and innovative ways to attract and retain talent.

It will also see the launch of the UNWTO Global Roadmap on reducing food waste in tourism. The roadmap provides a coherent framework for tourism stakeholders to adopt the sustainable management of food so that it never goes to waste.

Innovation and social inclusion

UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “This year's edition of the Forum represents a unique opportunity for experts to share their best practices and enhance the role of Gastronomy Tourism in sustainability, innovation and social inclusion, and highlight its importance for rural development."

Joxe Mari Aizega, director of the Basque Culinary Center, adds: “The gastronomy sector significantly influences the image and international projection of a territory. And for that, forums like this are needed to nurture and promote young talent, create value and, most importantly, address the challenges facing the gastronomy tourism sector.”

Nara Governor Mr. Shogo Arai said: “Food tourism has been at the center of Nara's initiatives to promote the links between food and tourism. These links not only contribute to the promotion of traditional culture and diversity, but also to the development of cultural communication, the regional economy, sustainable tourism and gastronomic exchanges.

Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Mr. Koichi Wada added: “In this country steeped in tradition and culture, where tourism and food and beverage professionals compete amicably, there are many new initiatives in food tourism. We look forward to welcoming you back to Japan."

World leaders in gastronomy

The Forum will once again host many of the leading figures in world gastronomy and tourism. Participating in Nara include UNWTO Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism and Asia's Best Female Chef of 2016, Maria Margarita A. Fores of the Philippines, Chef Catia Uliassi, ranked #12 in the '50s best' of Italy, and Masayuki Miura. , owner of Kiyosuminosato AWA Michelin Guide Nara 2022, Green-Star Restaurant (Japan).