Anthony Bourdain to Attend 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism in Spain

The many links between gastronomy and tourism, and the opportunities for closer cooperation between both areas, will be explored at the 1st UNWTO World Forum on Food Tourism, jointly organized by UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain from 27 to 28 April 2015.

Topics such as the concept of food tourism, current trends, and the links between gastronomy and tourism branding are to be debated with international experts such as the former chef, best-selling author and television personality Anthony Bourdain, Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association, Erik Wolf, and renowned Spanish chef Pedro Subijana.

The event will also feature several workshops where participants will have the opportunity to interact closer with food and tourism professionals from across the globe and learn more about branding, strategy and key success factors for food tourism destinations among other topics.

“Getting a taste of local cuisine has become an essential part of the travelling experience, and as such gastronomy presents a vital opportunity to enrich the tourism offer and stimulate economic development in destinations all around the world, not the least in rural communities. I trust that this Forum will further strengthen the ability of food tourism to create local job opportunities and spur renewed interest in traditional cultural heritage,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

Tapas, pintxos, some of the best wines in the world and an avant-garde cuisine have made Spain one of the most prominent destinations for gastronomy tourism in the world.