Victoria Falls recently provided the stunning backdrop for a landmark event—the inaugural United Nations Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. This pivotal forum, officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, underscores Zimbabwe’s strategic role in showcasing Africa’s rich culinary heritage while driving economic development.
The forum represents a significant milestone in celebrating and promoting African cuisine on a global stage. Held in Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the event highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to enhancing Africa’s visibility in the global tourism market. By bringing together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, the forum aims to leverage Africa’s unique culinary offerings to boost tourism and economic growth.
Tourism is currently the third-largest contributor to Zimbabwe’s GDP, with a notable 34% increase in arrivals last year. Despite this positive trend, Africa’s share of global tourism remains under 5%. The forum addresses this gap by emphasizing Gastronomy Tourism—an area with the potential to attract significant international interest and investment. President Mnangagwa’s keynote focused on integrating traditional culinary practices with modern tourism strategies, demonstrating how Gastronomy Tourism can drive economic development. By creating local job opportunities, empowering communities, and contributing to sustainable economic growth, the promotion of local food traditions and innovations is set to transform the tourism sector and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
The event also highlighted the growth of Gastronomy Tourism in Zimbabwe through grassroots initiatives led by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. These initiatives, including traditional cookout competitions, have not only celebrated Zimbabwe’s culinary traditions but also fostered the development of marketable products for both local and international markets. By supporting and elevating local culinary artisans and small-scale farmers, Zimbabwe is setting a precedent for how Gastronomy Tourism can contribute to broader economic benefits. The new Gastronomy Tourism Strategy aims to build value chains from local ingredient suppliers to processors and distributors, ensuring that economic benefits are widely distributed across the tourism sector.
Looking ahead, the forum has catalyzed plans to establish Africa’s first Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. This academy will serve as a training ground for tourism and hospitality professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to enhance service quality and drive growth in the sector. Moreover, integrating gastronomy tourism with other economic sectors, such as agriculture and digital marketing, is expected to further boost Africa’s tourism appeal. By promoting sustainable practices and leveraging technological advancements, Africa can position itself as a leading destination for gastronomy tourism, contributing to the continent’s overall economic development and global presence.
The inaugural UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Victoria Falls has set the stage for Africa to showcase its rich culinary heritage and harness its potential for economic growth. As Zimbabwe and the broader African continent continue to embrace and promote their unique food cultures, the benefits will extend beyond tourism, fostering sustainable development and prosperity for communities across the region.
