A new exciting chapter is opening for Aseer (Saudi Arabia) as the region prepares to celebrate its title year as World Region of Gastronomy 2024! The first to receive this accolade outside Europe, Aseer has prepared a yearly programme of events and initiatives to raise the profile of the region’s gastronomy internationally, as well as instill pride in the local community about their own food identity.
One of the region’s flagship events, the Aseer Culinary Arts & Gastro-tourism Symposium will take place on 23-25 February 2024. Aimed for local people in the region to learn more about the World Region of Gastronomy Platform, the Award and its potential, the Symposium will host a dedicated session where IGCAT Experts and representatives from other awarded and candidate regions will share their knowledge and experiences.
Chaired by IGCAT Vice-President, Dr. Edith Szivas, the Symposium will include the following presentations:
VALUES AND PRINCIPLES UNDERLINING IGCAT’s WORLD REGIONS OF GASTRONOMY
Omar Valdez, IGCAT Board
BUILDING SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PUBLIC SECTOR – TWO EXAMPLES
Putting National Plans into Action and cross sector collaboration
Ramon Sentmarti – Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy 2025
Building a legacy
François Dhalluin – Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy 2023
ACTIVATING CITIZENS – FOOD ROUTES AND NETWORKS – TWO EXAMPLES
Latitud Iche Food Route
Orazio Bellettini Cedeño – Manabí (Ecuador), candidate World Region of Gastronomy 2026
Food Commitment
May Britt Hansen – Trondheim-Trøndelag (Norway), European Region of Gastronomy 2022
EDUCATION AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING – TWO EXAMPLES
European Young Chef Award and Best Young Maitre d’
Jaume Gomila – Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022
World Bee Day
Dr. Peter Kozmus – Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy 2021
RAISING ECO-STANDARDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR – TWO EXAMPLES
Scottish Food Guide and Gastro Journalism
Wendy Barrie – IGCAT Expert, Scotland
Eco- and rural tourism
Dr. Fares A. Braizat – IGCAT Expert, Jordan
CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS FOR IGCAT
Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT President
The Symposium will ensure that knowledge and best practices from the World Region of Gastronomy Platform are shared with local stakeholders in order to build stronger connections and encourage collaboration between Aseer and the rest of the member regions.
A second important event will be held in Aseer on 22-26 April, when the World Region of Gastronomy Platform members will gather for their 27th meeting to discuss common challenges and learn about projects and initiatives undertaken by different local stakeholders. In this framework, the 5th World Food Gift Challenge will be held to select the best food and food-related gifts from the World Regions of Gastronomy.
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.