A new strategic partnership was launched by UN Tourism and the international Slow Food movement, aiming to strengthen gastronomic tourism as a driver of socio-economic development for people and local communities. The agreement was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the World Day of Sustainable Gastronomy.
The two organizations are committed to strengthening the gastronomic tourism value chain, developing stronger links between food producers, tourism businesses, destinations, local communities, and visitors. The collaboration will focus on sustainable food practices, local products, rural development, and inclusion, through innovative and authentic experiences.
The main axes of the joint action include:
- Research on trends in gastronomic tourism,
- Promoting good practices and successful examples,
- Training and developing skills for professionals in the sector,
- Creating international networks that unite producers and tourism operators.
As noted by the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, “responsible and inclusive tourism can substantially support communities around the world. Slow Food’s action is fully aligned with our values, ??and we believe that this collaboration will substantially contribute to the development of sustainable gastronomic tourism that leaves no one behind.”
For his part, the General Director of Slow Food, Paolo Di Croce, stated: “Tourism has the power to strengthen sustainable local food systems. The Slow Food Travel program creates experiential experiences that support rural communities and highlight the gastronomic heritage of each place, while bringing the traveler into direct contact with producers and local crops.
This collaboration is considered an important step towards deepening the relationship between two powerful sectors, gastronomy and tourism, with common goals: strengthening local markets, preserving cultural identity through nutrition, strengthening the position of women and young people, and promoting healthy dietary choices.
Who are the partners of the initiative
Founded in Italy in 1986 as a reaction to the standardization of food and the dominance of fast food, Slow Food is today a global movement with a presence in 160 countries. Its goal is to ensure that everyone has access to food that is good for people, good for producers, and good for the planet.
UN Tourism is the specialized agency of the United Nations for the promotion of responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism worldwide. It is headquartered in Madrid and has 160 member states. Its initiatives focus on strengthening the social and economic contribution of tourism, always with respect for the environment and local communities.
