The International Institute for Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT) has Awarded Harghita the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, recognizing the region’s exceptional commitment to local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and sustainable, family-friendly tourism. This award highlights the values that IGCAT upholds: fostering community collaboration, promoting cultural and culinary diversity, and encouraging innovation for a sustainable future.
On 6 February 2025, Harghita County celebrated this momentous achievement at the Fenyő Hotel in Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, coinciding with the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award 2025 ceremony. Politicians, industry experts, tourism representatives, influencers, and IGCAT delegates attended the dual celebration, where Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, officially presented the title to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, and Visit Harghita Executive Director, Károly Szabó.
Dr. Dodd expressed her admiration for Harghita’s strong commitment to sustainability, local food systems, and cultural preservation, stating: “Harghita is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and unwavering resilience. Its deep commitment to food security, small-scale farming, and biodiversity creates the perfect foundation for a sustainable gastronomic destination. With passionate producers, artisanal cheesemakers, heritage inns, and a vibrant array of festivals celebrating its culinary heritage to name just a few assets, Harghita offers a delicious discovery for foodie travelers and is more than ready to be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027!”
President Barna-Botond Bíró also delivered a heartfelt speech: “Tourism is about sharing who we are and what we cherish. Our culture, our values. Our services are unique and deeply rooted in our traditions. As we prepare for 2027, we’ll showcase Harghita’s culture through a year-long program filled with family-friendly activities, culinary experiences and events that highlight our identity. We’ll modernize traditional recipes and share 100 dishes and articles, offering global visitors a true taste of Harghita.”
IGCAT’s award underscores the importance of promoting local identity, culinary heritage, and the role of food in uniting communities. It acknowledges Harghita’s efforts to build year-round tourism through collaboration and strategic vision. The ceremony also highlighted the local culinary excellence through tastings showcasing local products and traditional dishes. Chefs and producers demonstrated the region’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving biodiversity and authentic flavours.
The Harghita County is already preparing for an extensive program leading up to 2027, with gastronomy festivals, professional conferences, and cultural events aimed at showcasing the region’s distinctive flavours and culinary heritage. With the active involvement of key stakeholders, including local producers, restaurateurs, and community members, Harghita County stands poised to proudly represent its culinary and cultural identity as a European Region of Gastronomy.
This award not only recognizes Harghita’s past and present successes but also lays the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable future rooted in innovation, cooperation, and respect for local heritage: values that are at the heart of IGCAT’s mission.
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.
10 February 2025
