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Gastronomy tourism is a powerful force for economic growth, cultural preservation, and sustainability, experts said as Bahrain hosted the 9th UN World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, the first of its kind in the region. Sarah Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), emphasized the transformative role of gastronomy tourism in advancing Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
She highlighted the Kingdom’s status as a culinary crossroads and its commitment to empowering young Bahrainis through job creation and leadership opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Experts at the forum echoed these themes.
Initiatives
UNEP Advocate on Food Waste Leyla Fathallah praised Bahrain’s efforts to reduce food waste through initiatives like the ‘Recipe of Change’ campaign, which achieved a 65% reduction during Ramadhan. “Food connects us, reflecting both culture and identity, while addressing sustainability challenges,” she said.
Mary Hayrapetyan of the World Intellectual Property Organisation underscored the importance of intellectual property in preserving culinary traditions, advocating for geographical indications to protect recipes and techniques.
Caroline Couret of the Creative Tourism Network highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration, calling gastronomy “a powerful tool for fostering human connections and preserving intangible heritage.”
Bahrain’s Tourism Strategy for 2022-2026 places gastronomy tourism at its heart, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and global competitiveness. Buhiji welcomed attendees to explore Bahrain’s unique culinary experiences, saying, “Let this event inspire us to build a sustainable and inclusive global tourism industry that honours our shared heritage and creates opportunities for growth.”
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