The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is set to host the 9th International Forum on Gastronomy Tourism on November 18-19 in Manama, the capital of Bahrain.
This marks the first time the event will be held in the Middle East. Under the theme "Gastronomy Tourism: A Driving Force for Economic Diversification and Inclusivity," the UNWTO forum will bring together global leaders, policymakers, tourism ministers from various countries, industry experts, and renowned world-class chefs.
The aim of the gathering, according to organizers, is to highlight "the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in enhancing economic resilience, inclusivity, sustainability, and building strong destination images."
Applications for participation are open until October 31.
One of the organizers of this major event is the Basque Culinary Center (BCC).
During discussions on the use of intangible cultural heritage, the forum will address key topics such as the use of intellectual property, branding to enhance destination attractiveness, preserving culinary heritage and biodiversity, and promoting authentic and immersive cultural experiences throughout the gastronomy tourism value chain.
Additionally, the forum will host the finals of the 4th Global Gastronomy Tourism Startup Competition, aimed at addressing existing challenges in the sector. One of these is the issue of food waste - a pressing issue in today's economic climate that will be a key topic in one of the panel sessions.
As a traditional highlight, Bahraini chefs will offer participants a culinary journey into the heart of Bahrain's gastronomic traditions during the forum.
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