It is said travelling through flavours opens doors to cultures and that food tourism is the passport to understanding the world one dish at a time. Destination Africa couldn’t agree more.
The inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, recently held by UN Tourism in Zimbabwe, therefore marks a significant step forward for sustainable tourism development in this sector across the continent.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said “It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions – Africa! We leave Victoria Falls with a roadmap that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we do work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet.”
The transformative power of gastronomy tourism in enhancing local communities and economies throughout Africa was firmly in the spotlight during discussions. There also was a strong focus on showcasing Africa’s rich culinary heritage to the world, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among chefs, policymakers and other stakeholders.
UN Tourism defines Gastronomy Tourism as a type of tourism activity which is characterised by the visitor’s experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling. This may also involve other related activities such as visiting the local producers, participating in food festivals and attending cooking classes.
Wine Tourism, as a sub-type of Gastronomy Tourism, refers to tourism whose purpose is visiting vineyards and wineries, tasting, consuming and/or purchasing wine, often at or near the source.
Gastronomy and Wine Tourism contribute to promoting and branding destinations, maintaining and preserving local traditions and diversities, and harnessing and rewarding authenticity.
In Africa, South Africa has a growing reputation as a much-favoured food and wine destination. In 2022 StatsSA’s domestic tourism survey data indicated that day trippers and domestic overnight tourists spent a combined R5.5bn (€273 million) on food and beverages. In the same year, a study by wine producer representative body Vinpro indicated wine tourism represented nearly 15% of total turnover for wine cellars that crush grapes.
Food is the universal language, and food tourism is one of the most delicious conversations one can ever have with the world. Destination Africa certainly understands this, hence the inclusion of several culinary and wine-related tours in our vast offering.
