An immersive four-day bootcamp brought together chefs, food innovators, researchers and change-makers from across the globe to explore the transformative power of culinary activism and gastrodiplomacy in driving ecological and social change. Organised by the Future Food Institute from 25 to 28 June 2026 at the Paideia Campus in Pollica,
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to announce the publication of the official report from the 1st World Gastronomy Summit, held on 27 September 2025 in Catalonia, Spain. The Summit, hosted by the Government of Catalonia as part of its World Region of Gastronomy 2025 designation, marked a historic milestone by placing
An international jury composed of four Experts accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD, considered the application of Vanuatu region for the title World Region of Gastronomy 2027. After reviewing the bid book: KAKAE VANUATU -Remembering the past, Regenerating the future”, submitted on 16 May 2025, they took part in
UN Tourism and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) have released Good Practices in the Development of Gastronomy Tourism, a publication highlighting how eight global destinations, including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Slovenia, Spain, and Mexico, have successfully applied the 2019 UN Tourism & BCC Guidelines to strengthen culinary identity, enhance competitiveness, and
On World Nutrition Day 2026, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, highlighted that food security depends not just on production but on availability, accessibility, affordability, and quality of nutritious food. Speaking at the high-level event “Delivering as One for Coherent Nutrition Action” during Rome Nutrition Week 2026, he stressed the
Strategic policy and programmes to develop a region’s culinary identity and strengthen collaboration between tourism, agriculture and education was the subject of the 32nd World Regions of Gastronomy Platform Meeting, held from 18–21 May 2026. The meeting was organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) together with
Honouring the rich tapestry of food heritage and cultural identity, IGCAT’s 7th World Food Gift Challenge recognised 15 exceptional food and food-related craft products, selected by an international jury of experts. Hosted by Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026, the competition celebrated artisanal producers whose unique gifts embody the
Food, culture, and education have the power to transform communities – and on 12 May 2026, ALECSO Director-General Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar met with IGCAT President Dr. Diane Dodd and Lamia Temimi (Coordinator of Cap Bon’s World Region of Gastronomy 2028 bid) spark a new chapter in the partnership between ALECSO and IGCAT, reaffirming their commitment to using
From 19–22 May 2026, UNESCO’s Africa Week will shine a spotlight on water, youth, culture, and sustainable development across the continent. This dynamic event, hosted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, featured conferences, high-level panels, youth activities, exhibitions, cinema, gastronomy, a book fair, and a gala, all designed to foster dialogue
An international jury composed of four international experts accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD, considered the application of Cap Bon region for the title World Region of Gastronomy 2028. After reviewing the bid book: A Shakshouka of Flavours in the Heart of the Mediterranean, submitted on 9 December 2025,
Despite geopolitical challenges, Europe’s tourism sector showed remarkable resilience in early 2026, with international tourist arrivals rising by 5.6% and overnight stays up by 5.5% compared to 2025. This growth was powered by strong intra-regional demand and Europe’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination. Northern Europe led the way
Şanlıurfa’s deep commitment to placing gastronomy at the heart of cultural preservation, sustainable development, and community-led growth has led to the region officially joining the World Region of Gastronomy Platform as a candidate for the 2029 Award. As the first region from Asia to apply for this international recognition, coordinated by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture,
In recognition of its outstanding commitment to local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and sustainable, community-driven tourism, Nordland was awarded the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2028, by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art, and Tourism (IGCAT). This distinction highlights the core values IGCAT promotes: fostering collaboration, celebrating culinary and cultural diversity, and encouraging innovation for
An international jury comprising of four international experts, accompanied by IGCAT’s President, Diane Dodd PhD considered the application of Banat region for the title European Region of Gastronomy 2028. After reviewing the bid book: Banat – “Fusion Beyond Borders. Bold Flavours. Diverse Origins. One Shared Table”, submitted on 7 November 2025,
Strategic policy and programmes to develop a region’s culinary identity and strengthen collaboration between tourism, agriculture and education was the subject of the 31st World Regions of Gastronomy Platform Meeting, held from 16–20 March 2026. The meeting was organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) together with hosts Kvarner Region Tourist
The UN Tourism has opened applications for the Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, recognizing outstanding rural destinations worldwide, which the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) is pleased to share. Since its launch in 2021, the programme has received over 1,000 applications from 100 countries, building a global network of 319
