The prestigious title of World Region of Gastronomy 2025, awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT), is set to elevate the gastronomic and tourism value of Catalonia’s diverse territories. Catalonia has already begun implementing initiatives linked to this distinction, aiming to position itself as a global reference point for wine and food tourism. Catalan chefs and culinary professionals see this recognition as an exceptional opportunity to highlight the region’s food production, celebrate its culinary heritage, and reinforce its reputation as a high-quality tourist destination.
During an event held at Fitur 2025 in Madrid, renowned culinary figures such as Javier and Sergio Torres from Cocina Hermanos Torres, Fina Puigdevall and Martina Puigvert from Les Cols, master pâtissier Oriol Balaguer, and Marta Cortizas, sommelier at El Celler de Can Roca, expressed their vision for the legacy this distinction should leave. They emphasized the potential to position Catalonia as a global leader in gastronomy, blending flavor, history, and innovation while respecting its landscapes and communities.
The presentation, led by Jaume Baró, Secretary of Enterprise and Competitiveness, Cristina Lagé, Director General of Tourism, and Arantxa Calvera, Director of the Catalan Tourism Agency, outlined key activities planned for 2025 to celebrate and leverage this prestigious accolade.
Gastronomic Showcase Marks the Start of World Region of Gastronomy 2025 Activities
On the eve of the announcement, the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid hosted a gastronomic event attended by over 350 guests, including tourism operators, business and cultural leaders, media representatives, and influencers. This event celebrated Catalonia’s exceptional gastronomy, with dishes crafted by Cocina Hermanos Torres and Les Cols, showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Oriol Balaguer delighted attendees with exquisite desserts, paired with wines curated by Marta Cortizas, named Catalonia’s Best Sommelier of 2024.
This event marked the launch of the Som Gastronomia Tour, targeting both Spanish and international markets. The tour will promote Catalonia’s gastronomic excellence through over 500 wine and food experiences across the region. Stops include San Sebastián, Vigo, Valencia, and Seville, with international destinations like Tokyo, Shenzhen, and Guadalajara. Renowned Catalan restaurants such as El Celler de Can Roca and Disfrutar will represent the region abroad.
Upcoming Highlights: The 1st International Wine Tourism Forum and Global Content Creator Campaign
On February 5th, the 1st International Wine Tourism Forum of Catalonia will take place during the Barcelona Wine Week. This international gathering will focus on world-leading wine tourism projects, featuring sessions on regions such as Bordeaux, Porto, Georgia, and China, alongside a global perspective on wine tourism trends.
In addition, a global communication campaign will spotlight Catalonia’s gastronomic evolution. This includes engaging 50 content creators from around the world to experience and share the region’s culinary richness, innovative chefs, and diverse wine and food experiences with their audiences.
Taste the Grand Tour: A New Route to Explore Catalonia Through Gastronomy
Catalonia will launch a 15-day gastronomic route as part of the iconic Grand Tour of Catalonia, allowing travelers to explore the region’s culinary and cultural heritage. This journey provides direct contact with local producers, hands-on gastronomic activities, and opportunities to savor fresh, locally sourced products. Highlights include a rice-cooking workshop in the Ebro Delta, an astronomical dining experience at the Monastery of Les Avellanes, and a vermouth-themed guided tour. The expanded route incorporates over 15 strategically chosen photo spots with QR codes linking to local food and wine experiences. This initiative emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and a celebration of Catalonia’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, reinforcing its position as a leader in global gastronomy.
For more information, visit Grand Tour of Catalonia.
Photo credit: Agència Catalana de Turisme
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European 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; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding 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 World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.
28 enero 2025
