Tanzania to host second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum, showcasing Africa’s culinary heritage

TANZANIA – Tanzania has geared up to host the Second UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for the Africa Region in Arusha from April 23 to 25, 2025, an event designed to showcase the fusion of gastronomy and tourism while attracting over 300 industry leaders from across Africa.

Following an official visit by the UN Tourism Secretariat to Dar es Salaam to assess local preparations, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Pindi Chana, announced that the country will host this year’s gastronomic forum.

The decision underscores Tanzania’s commitment to promoting gastronomy tourism and celebrating its rich culinary heritage, according to an official statement from Tanzania Tourism.

Building on the success of the inaugural forum held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2024, this selection reflects Tanzania’s strategic efforts to integrate its diverse food culture into its broader tourism offerings, thereby strengthening its position as a key player in Africa’s culinary tourism landscape.

The event is a collaborative initiative involving Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the UN Tourism Organisation, and the Basque Culinary Centre.

It will focus on economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment by exploring how innovative culinary initiatives can drive sustainable tourism growth across the continent.

During the announcement, Elcia Grandcourt, UN Tourism’s Regional Director for Africa, lauded Tanzania’s active role within the Executive Council and its impressive post-pandemic recovery, noting a 50% surge in visitor arrivals and improved air connectivity bolstered by streamlined visa-on-arrival policies.

She also highlighted Tanzania’s proven track record in hosting major tourism events, citing the successful UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting in 2022, and reaffirmed UN Tourism’s support for the forum as it positions Africa’s culinary landscape as a major attraction for global travelers.

Over the course of three days, the forum will feature expert-led discussions, panel sessions, and masterclasses that examine the economic potential of food tourism, its impact on cultural identity, and innovative strategies to leverage Africa’s diverse flavors for enhanced visitor experiences.

As Tanzania prepares to welcome both global and regional stakeholders, the forum is expected to spark meaningful conversations that will elevate African gastronomy on the world stage while driving new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

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