Gozo was officially awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) for their exceptional food and hospitality, the quality of local products, the commitment to traditional methods of food production, and the harmony of local cultures, arts and crafts.
Against the stunning backdrop of its iconic Citadel, the island of Gozo was officially awarded the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) on 28 September 2024. Several members of Parliament, ministers, mayors, and project stakeholders attended the event hosted by the Gozo Regional Council.
Upon receiving the Award from IGCAT Board Member, Jaume Gomila Saura, President of Gozo Region, Dr. Samuel Azzopardi commented “I am deeply honored by the recognition we have received as a European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. This prestigious title means a great deal for our island, not only as a recognition of our rich gastronomic heritage but also as a catalyst for increasing our domestic product in focusing on sustainability and quality.
“This award is a testament to our island’s varied identity. I see this as an important stepping stone in ensuring that our Gozitan identity is not just promoted but improved and enhanced. It provides us with an opportunity to showcase Gozo’s commitment to preserving our traditional practices while adapting to modern sustainable methods that will protect our environment and future generations,” he concluded.
“Gozo possesses each and every element to rise as a central actor in the Mediterranean and a place where tradition and innovation coexist and enrich each other harmoniously, as a universal reference in gastronomy,” claimed Jaume Gomila.
“To achieve this, it is necessary to embrace social cohesion, strengthen your self-esteem and work across sectors. Gozo must aspire to be, as it is, unique in the world and interconnected with other European Regions of Gastronomy, with which it already shares the same principles, practices, values, and challenges. Congratulations to the leaders and technicians who have made this exemplary bid, this dream came true!” he concluded.
The Gozo Regional Council spearheaded the bid in collaboration with the Gozo Business Chamber, the Gozo Regional Development Authority, the Institute for Tourism Studies in Gozo, the Gozo NGOs Association, the Gozo Tourism Association, and the Gozo College.
The event offered also the opportunity to present two fellow awarded regions for 2026 and briefly explain their local food and bid for the title: Crete (Greece) and Kvarner (Croatia). Crete was represented by President of the Agronutritional Cooperation of the Region of Crete, Eirini Choudetsanaki and Communications & PR Manager for Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026, Myrto Voulgaraki. While Kvarner provided a promotional video.
Moreover, talks were given on the history of Maltese and Gozitan Food by University of Malta Senior Lecturer, Dr. Noel Buttigieg and on Slow Food by Mr. Kurt Mifsud from the Mediterranean Culinary Academy. To complete the picture, guests were entertained by the local Cittadella Folk Group and San Bert Folk Group.
Gozo’s path to the title
After reviewing the bid book The Island of Gozo: An Eclectic Journey submitted on 14 December 2023, the jury visited the region (12-14 February 2024) to assess its readiness to host the title in 2026.
The jury met with more than 30 leading stakeholders and organisations in the region and agreed that the exceptional food and hospitality found in Gozo, the quality of local products, commitment to traditional methods of food production, the culture and indeed harmony of cultures, arts and crafts made Gozo’s application extremely strong. Moreover, they noted that the bid presented a long-term lasting legacy for the region.
On this basis, they recommended the region for the title to the IGCAT Board, that officially approved Gozo to be awarded European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
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.
Main source and photo credit: Kunsill Reġjonali Għawdex (Gozo Regional Council) and Anaca Photography
28 September 2024
