The inaugural United Nations Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is set to begin tomorrow at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The forum will focus on promoting cultural heritage, celebrating diverse culinary traditions, and elevating the role of gastronomy in African tourism. His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is set to officially open the forum. The event will convene destinations and international experts to explore the transformative potential of gastronomy tourism. Through knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices, this forum aims to harness the power of gastronomy tourism to benefit local communities and the environment, fostering regional cohesion and resilience.
This groundbreaking event aims to promote cultural heritage, celebrate diverse culinary traditions, and elevate the role of gastronomy in African tourism. It will also recognize the outstanding contributions of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and First Lady, Amai Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, for their remarkable efforts in promoting Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage and cultural diversity. This recognition acknowledges their commitment to showcasing Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage and cultural diversity. The First Lady, as the patron of the event, has been instrumental in bringing the conference to fruition. Her efforts aim to promote gastronomy tourism in Africa, support local communities, and showcase the continent’s rich culinary heritage.
Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s initiative aligns with the United Nations’ goals to harness the power of gastronomy tourism for sustainable development, cultural exchange, and economic growth. Her leadership and vision have made the conference possible, and her patronage has lent significant support to the event. The forum also speaks to the Second Republic’s re-engagement and engagement mantra by repositioning the country, fostering cultural diplomacy, reviving tourism, stimulating economic growth, attracting international recognition, reconnecting with the diaspora, promoting the Zimbabwean story, and fostering regional cooperation.
Overall, the event is poised to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions, garnering positive international attention and driving economic and cultural growth. It will cement the country’s reputation and foster meaningful global connections, as demonstrated by the strong regional and international participation confirmed to date.
