Tanzania, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant food culture, will be hosting the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa between April 23-25, 2025, in Arusha. This historic event will bring together over 300 industry players, including chefs, food enthusiasts, policymakers, hospitality professionals, and tourism experts, to commemorate the diversity of Africa's cuisines and the potential of gastronomy tourism to stimulate economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development. With its unique blend of flavors, fresh fruits and vegetables, and ethical tourism, Tanzania provides an ideal setting for this renowned forum, which will firmly establish African culinary heritage on the global map and create new waves in the tourism sector. Tanzania will host Africa’s Top Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025, showcasing its rich culinary heritage. Visitors are encouraged to secure their Tanzania eVisa early for smooth travel arrangements to this exciting event.
What is the Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum?
The Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum is a premier event dedicated to showcasing the role of food and cuisine in tourism. It serves as a platform to:
- Highlight Africa’s rich culinary heritage and diverse food traditions.
- Promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for economic growth and cultural preservation.
- Foster collaboration among chefs, farmers, tourism stakeholders, and policymakers.
- Encourage sustainable practices in food production and tourism.
Event Overview
The forum, organized by the UN Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center and the Government of Tanzania, will convene destinations and international experts to exchange knowledge and best practices. The focus will be on harnessing the power of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities and the environment. The 2025 edition, hosted by Tanzania, will be the largest and most ambitious yet, with a focus on celebrating African cuisine while addressing global trends in gastronomy tourism.
Reasons Why Tanzania is Suitable for Africa’s Gastronomy Tourism Forum
Tanzania's selection as the host country for the Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum is a testament to its growing reputation as a culinary and tourist destination. Below are some reasons why Tanzania is the best choice:
- Rich Culinary Heritage: Tanzanian cuisine is a blend of flavors, derived from Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African culinary practices. Foods like ugali (maize porridge), nyama choma (roasted meat), pilau (scented rice), and Zanzibar biryani are a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage.
- Plenty of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Tanzania's fertile land and gentle climate produce an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, including seafood. Zanzibar, often called the "Spice Island," is world-famous for its cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla, all of which form the backbone of Tanzanian cuisine.
- Commitment to Sustainable Tourism: Tanzania has been at the forefront of advocating for sustainable tourism, with activities that are favorable to local communities and natural resource conservation. The forum is consistent with Tanzania's vision of leveraging tourism as a source of economic development and cultural preservation.
- World-Class Tourism Infrastructure: The country boasts diverse accommodation from high-end lodges to eco-friendly resorts, and it would be an excellent host for international forums. National parks, beaches, and cultural sites in the country offer a stunning landscape for the forum.
Emerging Profile of Tanzania in Gastronomy and Tourism
The selection of Tanzania as host to the 2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum is a testament to the country's commitment to embracing its gastronomic heritage as part of its tourism industry. Following the success of the first edition that was conducted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 2024, the forum positions Tanzania as a key player in the gastronomy tourism industry in Africa. It is a joint event of the UN Tourism Organisation, Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, and the Basque Culinary Centre.
At the discussions, the role of gastronomy to drive economic growth, cultural heritage, and the development of people will be addressed, creating new opportunities for local enterprises and tourism businesses. UN Tourism Africa Regional Director praised Tanzania's impressive post-pandemic recovery, attributing a 50% increase in visitor arrivals, increased air connectivity, and streamlined visa-on-arrival process. She also praised Tanzania's strong track record of hosting international tourism forums, most recently the 2022 UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting. UN Tourism has pledged full support to ensure the success of the forum to further cement Africa's rising position as a world destination for culinary tourism.
What to Expect at the Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025
The Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025 will feature a wide range of activities and events designed to celebrate African cuisine and its role in tourism. Key highlights include:
|
Activity |
Description |
|
Culinary Demonstrations and Tastings |
Renowned chefs from across Africa will showcase their skills by preparing both traditional and modern dishes. Attendees can sample a variety of African cuisines, including Tanzanian specialties. |
|
Farm-to-Table Experiences |
The forum will emphasize sustainable agriculture and local sourcing. Participants can visit local farms, spice plantations, and markets to learn about the journey of food from farm to plate. |
|
Cultural Performances |
Traditional music, dance, and storytelling will highlight Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the deep connection between food, culture, and community. |
|
Panel Discussions and Workshops |
Experts will discuss key topics, including gastronomy tourism trends, sustainable food systems, and food’s role in cultural preservation. Workshops will provide practical insights for chefs, restaurateurs, and tourism professionals. |
|
Networking Opportunities |
The forum will connect industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and innovation. B2B sessions will link local producers with international buyers. |
|
Food and Wine Pairings |
Attendees can enjoy expertly curated food and wine pairings featuring African wines and spirits. Tanzanian coffee and tea will also be showcased, highlighting the country’s role as a leading producer of these beverages. |
The Impact of the Forum
The Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025 will have a profound effect on Tanzania and the continent at large:
- Promoting Tourism: The forum will bring in foreign visitors, enhancing Tanzania's tourism sector and highlighting its potential as a gastronomy tourism destination. It will also promote the lesser-known areas and attractions, inspiring travelers to venture outside the normal safari circuit.
- Empowering Local Communities: By encouraging local produce and native foods, the forum will create opportunities for small farmers, artisans, and food entrepreneurs. The forum will also foster cultural preservation and national pride in Tanzania's food culture.
- Driving Sustainable Development: The focus of the forum on sustainability is consistent with Tanzania's responsible tourism and environmental conservation. It will enhance the application of sustainable practices in the food and tourism industry.
- Marketing Africa as a Food Destination: The forum will promote the image of Africa as a food destination on the international map, with foodies and media from across the world. It will dispel myths and emphasize the sophistication and diversity of African cuisine.
How to Participate in the Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025
The Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum 2025 is open to chefs, food enthusiasts, tourism professionals, and anyone passionate about food and travel. Here’s how you can get involved:
|
Attend the Forum |
Register online through the official forum website (details to be announced). Choose from various ticket options, including day passes and full-event packages. |
|
Exhibit or Sponsor |
Food producers, restaurants, and tourism operators can showcase their products and services at the forum’s exhibition hall. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to align with this prestigious event. |
|
Volunteer |
Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the forum. Opportunities include event coordination, guest services, and logistics support. |
|
Promote the Event |
Help spread the word by sharing news about the forum on social media and within your network. |
Conclusion
Tanzania's bid to host the 2nd UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for Africa highlights its dedication to gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth. With over 300 industry stakeholders expected, the event will explore food culture’s role in tourism, culinary heritage preservation, and global marketing of African cuisine. Through expert panels and masterclasses, the forum will position Africa as a premier gastronomy destination while attracting investments and boosting economic development.
