Zim hosts first UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum

By TARIRO MASUNDA

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sterling efforts to make the country a Heritage-based Tourism and Hospitality global leader are bearing fruit as Zimbabwe will host the first United Nations Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi said this in her recent report to Cabinet.

An exceptional exhibition of Zimbabwe’s culture and cuisine at last year’s forum that was held held in Spain led to the decision to host the event, Rwodzi said in the report.

 The three-day global tourism indaba is set to be held in Victoria Falls beginning on 26 July.

“Zimbabwe received 100 scholarships from UN Tourism, during the Forum in Spain, targeting Zimbabwean beneficiaries.

The scholarships have all been taken up by students in Culinary Departments and Schools across Zimbabwe,” said the report.

The country’s 10 provinces benefitted from the scholarships.

Rwodzi added that government has  plans to establish a Gastronomy Tourism Academy in Victoria Falls to serve Zimbabwe and Africa. 

According to the UN tourism website’s report on the 8th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism  held  in Spain the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa during her special address, emphasized  on the vital role that gastronomy tourism can play as an effective tool for development.

Mnangagwa, who is also a  committed promoter of African gastronomy, highlighted Zimbabwe’s ‘Traditional Cookout Programme’, featuring traditional cooking competitions at regional level to encourage the consumption of traditional foods, in a way to ensure a healthy living.

The initiative’s success is evident in its impact on local communities, fostering creativity, disseminating cultural knowledge, promoting inclusivity, and recognising women’s significance in cultural heritage transmission.

This transformative model seeks to extend its influence throughout Africa, celebrating diverse cultures and promoting culinary tourism.  

Gastronomy tourism is emerging as an important protector of cultural heritage, and is helping to create opportunities, including jobs, particularly in the rural areas.