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The 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, organized by UN Tourism, the Basque Culinary Center, and the Government of Bahrain, will be held under the theme “Gastronomy Tourism: A Driver of Economic Diversification and Inclusion.” This marks the first time the Forum will take place in the Middle East, a region celebrated for its rich culinary diversity and cultural exchange.

Gastronomy Tourism offers destinations a unique chance to diversify their tourism offerings, boost local economies, and empower communities by directly involving them in value-generating activities. It strengthens the tourism value chain, connecting consumers to producers, fostering resilience, and supporting rural development, all while providing authentic and diverse experiences that resonate with today’s travelers.

This year’s Forum will explore how gastronomy tourism can drive rural development, economic diversification, and inclusion, highlighting the importance of engaging all stakeholders across the value chain. Sustainability will be a key focus, with discussions on reducing food waste, local sourcing, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the food chain.

Key topics include destination branding through gastronomy tourism and the policy frameworks needed for sustainable growth. Best practices and strategies will be shared through panel discussions, presentations, masterclasses, and thematic visits, bringing together destinations and experts to highlight the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in promoting resilience, cohesion, and sustainability.