BAHRAIN is set to host the world’s largest gastronomy tourism event later this year.
The Ninth edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will be held at the Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir on November 18 and 19.
The event is a collaboration between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the UNWTO.
It is the first time that the event will be held in the Middle East, with Bahrain hosting the culinary tourism event that is characterised by visitor experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling.
The two-day event is poised to feature several announcements during the event regarding the opening of new international restaurants in Bahrain, as well as partnerships among stakeholders at local, regional and global levels.
“The forum will bring together a distinguished group of local and international culinary and food tourism experts,” said a BTEA statement yesterday.
“It will feature a diverse range of activities, including panel discussions, workshops and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in food tourism.
“Moreover, it will provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices within the industry while enhancing co-operation among stakeholders worldwide.”
Additionally, the forum will showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Bahrain, specifically, and the Gulf region, in general.
It will also highlight the growing importance of gastronomy tourism in the region, positioning it as a leading global destination in this field in the years to come.
“We are immensely proud to host the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time in the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in Bahrain’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings,” said Tourism Minister and BTEA chairperson Fatima Al Sairafi.
“This prestigious event is part of our commitment, as part of Team Bahrain, to diversify the tourism sector and solidify the kingdom’s position as a leader in gastronomy tourism.
“We aim to establish Bahrain as a leading destination for food enthusiasts and culinary tourism as the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism presents an exceptional opportunity for Bahrain to leverage its rich culinary heritage, exchange knowledge, and develop skills in this field.”
The UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism was created with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences between experts in tourism and gastronomy, to identify good practices and to promote gastronomy tourism as a factor of development of destinations.
According to the Economic Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2024 the accommodation and food services sector in Bahrain experienced a 10.7 per cent year-on-year growth, reflecting the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy.
This event is expected to catalyse new and innovative opportunities for collaboration and further propel growth within this dynamic sector.
This direction is well aligned with the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026 objectives to turn Bahrain into a leading regional and global tourism hub.
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