The Kingdom of Bahrain continues its preparations to host the 9th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism 2024, organised by the UN Tourism, which will take place for the first time in the Middle East from 18 to 19 November 2024 at the Exhibition World Bahrain. The forum is being held in collaboration with the BTEA, the UN Tourism, and the Basque Culinary Centre, featuring a roster of decision-makers, experts, and specialists in the tourism sector from both local and international arenas.
This event is part of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to enhance its status on the global map as a premier tourist destination. The forum will highlight best practices in the gastronomy tourism sector and examine the role of this sector in stimulating economic growth, alongside discussions on sustainability, environmental issues, and the development of local communities.
The 9th edition of the forum will address several key themes, such as marketing destination brands through culinary arts and the policies necessary to enhance gastronomy tourism. It will also discuss the integration of sustainable practices in the food supply chain, culinary diplomacy as a tool for cross-cultural exchange, and the exploration of innovative solutions for industry sustainability and local community engagement, as well as the role of technology in shaping the future of gastronomy tourism and the investigation of future trends and cultural culinary experiences.
The high-level dialogue sessions will include discussions featuring Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the UN Tourism; Joxe Mari Aizega, Director General of the Basque Culinary Centre; Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe; Basmah Al Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at the UN Tourism; and Sultan Al Musallam, Deputy Minister of International Affairs at the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among other influential figures and stakeholders in the tourism industry, who will discuss the latest trends in gastronomy tourism and share experiences and ideas to boost this vital sector’s appeal and economic contribution.
On the sidelines of the forum, the inauguration of several new international restaurants in Bahrain will be announced, along with the establishment of significant partnerships between local, regional, and global stakeholders that aim to contribute to the development of the sector and enhance the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a sought-after travel destination.
On this occasion, Sara Ahmed Buhiji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, affirmed the significance of Bahrain hosting the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, emphasising the vital role of this event in solidifying the Kingdom’s prestigious tourism position, illustrating its ongoing commitment to advancing local tourism and keeping pace with global developments in this field, alongside national efforts to effect a significant improvement in the tourism sector.
Commenting further, she stated: “The Forum aims to promote economic diversification through gastronomy tourism, identify ways to achieve environmental sustainability, develop innovative strategies, improve destination marketing, and strengthen international partnerships in this field. The forum will also spotlight cultural heritage and facilitate knowledge exchange to enhance the quality of the tourist experience and ensure sustainability in gastronomy tourism.”
She added: “We look forward to the forum opening new horizons for innovation in culinary tourism and showcasing the unique tourism assets that the Kingdom of Bahrain possesses, aligning with the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, and leveraging innovative experiences and ideas to advance this vital sector and continue building upon the achievements the Kingdom of Bahrain has made in tourism.”
BNA(R)
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