Tanzania to Host Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum in April 2025

Tanzania is set to welcome the Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for the Africa Region from April 23 to 25, 2025, in the vibrant city of Arusha. This significant event is expected to attract over 300 stakeholders, including high-level leaders in tourism and hospitality, government officials, and food experts from across Africa and beyond, all eager to explore the intersection of gastronomy and tourism.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana (MP), during a media briefing following a preliminary visit by the UN Tourism Secretariat on February 19, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. The decision to host the forum in Tanzania follows the success of the inaugural African Gastronomy Tourism Forum held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2024. Minister Chana highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to gastronomy tourism and its rich culinary heritage as key factors in the selection process.

This forum is organized in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, the UN Tourism Organization, and the Basque Culinary Center. It aims to emphasize the integral relationship between gastronomy and tourism, showcasing how culinary experiences can drive economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

During the announcement, Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, praised Tanzania for its active role in the Executive Council and its contributions to regional tourism growth. She noted Tanzania’s successful hosting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in 2022 and acknowledged the country’s impressive recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a remarkable 50% growth in visitor arrivals.

Grandcourt also highlighted Tanzania’s advancements in improving air connectivity and facilitating travel through visa-on-arrival policies, further enhancing its appeal as a travel destination. The forum will feature a variety of activities, including panel discussions, expert-led sessions, and masterclasses, all designed to explore the strategic role of gastronomy in tourism development.

As Tanzania prepares to host this important event, stakeholders are looking forward to meaningful engagements that will help position Africa’s culinary traditions as vital drivers of tourism and economic growth. The forum promises to be a platform for exchanging ideas, discussing strategies, and fostering creativity in promoting food tourism across the continent.

This gathering not only underscores Tanzania's commitment to enhancing its gastronomy tourism sector but also reinforces the country's status as a key player in the African tourism landscape. With the forum on the horizon, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark event in the promotion of Africa's rich culinary heritage.