Monday, November 18, 2024 The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism , co-organized by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) , the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) , and the Government of Bahrain , will take place on 18-19 November 2024 in Manama, Bahrain . This year’s Forum, held under the theme “ Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion ,” aims to showcase the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in fostering economic growth, sustainability, and cultural identity. This year’s Forum will emphasize the critical role of gastronomy tourism in promoting economic diversification and fostering inclusive growth .
Through a series of panel discussions, presentations, masterclasses, and thematic visits, the event will explore how leveraging local culinary traditions and innovations can create new opportunities for destinations. By highlighting the integration of gastronomy into the tourism sector, the Forum aims to demonstrate how food can serve as a powerful tool for economic resilience, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The 9th edition marks a significant milestone as it is being held for the first time in the Middle East , a region known for its rich culinary heritage and diverse cultural influences.
The Forum will gather global leaders , policymakers , industry experts , and renowned chefs to discuss how the region’s unique gastronomic offerings can position it as a top culinary tourism destination. The e.