The programme for Sibiu, European Region of Gastronomy 2019 was officially launched on 21 November 2018 at the Diplomatic Club in Bucharest, where the region announced its long-term goals for local sustainable development, at the presence of President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis.
The event was organised by the main stakeholders of the consortium leading the programme: Sibiu County Council, represented by President Daniela Cîmpean; the Municipality of Sibiu, represented by Mayor Astrid Cora Fodor; the Municipality of Mediaş, represented by Mayor Gheorghe Roman; the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sibiu, represented by President Gheorghe Aldea; Lucian Blaga University, represented by Rector Ioan Bondrea; and the Sibiu County Tourism Association, represented by President Alin Chipăila.
Mayor Astrid Fodor affirmed that Sibiu’s experience as European Capital of Culture 2007 was just the beginning of a culture-based development strategy for the city, on which the European Region of Gastronomy programme is built.
President of Sibiu County Council, Daniela Cîmpean added that the aim of the project is to strengthen the link between urban and rural areas and to support local producers and authentic crafts.
The opening event was also the occasion to launch the SibCoin, a local currency to be used by visitors within Sibiu’s HoReCa network. Devised as a tool to promote local producers and products, the SibCoin will work as a sort of bonus scheme for tourists who will collect points and discounts in the form of coins that can be brought back home as souvenirs.
400 guests attended the event, including ambassadors, MPs, businessmen, and representatives of local administrations, who got a taste of Sibiu region through cooking and crafts demonstrations, showcases of local products, and a rich menu of reinterpreted traditional dishes.
About the European Region of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded Regions of Gastronomy from Europe, guided by IGCAT, are working together to raise awareness about the importance of their cultural and food uniqueness and share the long-term aim to: promote a better quality of life in European regions; highlight distinctive food cultures; educate for better health and sustainability; nurture creativity; improve tourism standards; and stimulate gastronomic innovation.
About IGCAT
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 aims to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating, and supporting leaders in regions to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Food Experiences of the Year and the Food Film Festivals project.