IGCAT congratulates expert Randie Anderson for his appointment as a member of the Chef Advisory Sub-Committee of Jamaica’s Tourism Linkages Gastronomy Network!
The Gastronomy Network supports the Ministry of Tourism in developing Jamaica as a destination of choice for culinary experiences. To this end, the Chef Advisory Sub-Committee will be in charge of developing strategic partnerships and linkages along Jamaica’s culinary value chain to create a defined tourism-based gastronomy product.
“In keeping with the goals of the Tourism Master Plan and the Vision 2030 National Development Plan, the Ministry of Tourism has targeted the development and strengthening of sustainable linkages between Tourism and other productive sectors of the economy to which it is closely linked” (Tourism Enhacement Fund).
Created in 2013, the Tourism Linkages Network was established to promote the local tourism sector and “to increase its consumption of goods and services that can be competitively sourced in Jamaica.”
Since then, with the aim to strengthen the offer of experiential tourism in the country, it has grown by incorporating new sectors and creating 5 new networks:
- Gastronomy Network
- Health & Wellness Network
- Sports and Entertainment Network
- Shopping Network
- Knowledge Network.
Chef Randie Anderson, CEC, CCA, WCEC, MSc is Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Services at Montego Bay Convention Centre and President of the American Culinary Federation Jamaica Chapter. Throughout his career, he has developed an in-depth understanding of gastronomic tourism and an appreciation for culinary history, culture, tradition, foodways, nutrition, and sustainability, that he shares on his blog Allspice Traveller.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the European and the World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European and World Regions of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the European Food Gift Challenge, the Top Visitor Experience Portal and the Food Film Menu.
About the European and World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded European and World Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.