Tanzania to Host Africa’s Premier Gastronomy Tourism Forum in April 2025
Tanzania is gearing up to host the Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for the Africa Region, set to take place from April 23 to 25, 2025, in Arusha. This high-profile event will showcase the fusion of gastronomy and tourism, drawing over 300 industry leaders, including policymakers, hospitality executives, culinary experts, and tourism stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
The announcement was made by Pindi Chana, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, following an official visit by the UN Tourism Secretariat to assess preparations in Dar es Salaam. The selection of Tanzania as the host country underscores its commitment to promoting gastronomy tourism and its rich culinary heritage, according to an official statement from Tanzania Tourism.
Building on the Success of the Inaugural Forum
Tanzania was chosen to host this year’s forum after the successful debut edition in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2024. The decision reflects Tanzania’s strategic efforts to integrate its diverse food culture into its tourism offerings, further solidifying its position as a key player in Africa’s culinary tourism landscape.
The event is a collaborative effort between Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the UN Tourism Organisation, and the Basque Culinary Centre. With a strong focus on economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, the forum will explore how gastronomy can drive sustainable tourism growth across Africa.
UN Tourism Applauds Tanzania’s Tourism Growth
During the announcement, Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, praised Tanzania’s active role within the Executive Council and its commitment to regional tourism advancement. She highlighted the country’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery, citing a 50% surge in visitor arrivals and improved air connectivity, bolstered by streamlined visa-on-arrival policies.
Grandcourt also acknowledged Tanzania’s proven experience in hosting major tourism events, referencing the successful UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in 2022. She reaffirmed UN Tourism’s support in ensuring the forum’s success while reinforcing its significance in positioning Africa’s culinary landscape as a major attraction for global travelers.
A Dynamic Forum to Shape the Future of Culinary Tourism
The three-day event will feature a series of expert-led discussions, panel sessions, and masterclasses delving into the strategic role of gastronomy in tourism development. Attendees can expect insightful exchanges on the economic potential of food tourism, its impact on cultural identity, and ways to leverage Africa’s diverse flavors to enhance visitor experiences.
As Tanzania prepares to welcome global and regional stakeholders, the forum is expected to ignite meaningful conversations that will propel African gastronomy onto the world stage. With its vibrant food scene and dedication to sustainable tourism, Tanzania is set to showcase the best of African culinary heritage while driving new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
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