Madrid, Spain / Bra, Italy – UN Tourism and Slow Food will work together to promote gastronomy tourism as a tool for socio-economic development of people and communities.
In a new Memorandum of Understanding signed on the occasion of Sustainable Gastronomy Day, both organizations commit to strengthening the gastronomy tourism value chain, enhancing the linkages between food producers, tourism service providers, destinations, communities and tourists. They will focus particularly on the development of value added, and innovative tourism experiences linked to local products, sustainable food systems, inclusivity and rural development.
Areas of collaboration will include research on trends in gastronomy tourism; identifying and sharing of case studies and best practices; training and skills development; as well as the creation of networks in gastronomy tourism, enhancing relationships between food producers and tourism stakeholders.
UN Tourism recognizes the vital role responsible, inclusive tourism can play in supporting communities everywhere. The work of Slow Food is fully aligned with UN Tourism values and we trust this partnership will play an important role in advancing the development of a sustainable gastronomy tourism that leaves no one behind, for the benefit of communities and destinations. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili
Tourism can be a powerful force for strengthening sustainable local food systems. Our Slow Food Travel program is a sustainable culinary tourism initiative designed to create immersive travel experiences that support rural communities and celebrate local gastronomic heritage. In line with our values, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with farmers and producers around the world, while discovering and tasting the rich, often overlooked biodiversity of food. Slow Food Director General Paolo Di Croce
This partnership marks an important step towards enhancing the relationship between two industries with significant potential to join forces for sustainable regional and local development, strengthening local food systems, safeguarding culinary heritage, empowering women, youth and local communities, and promoting the consumption of healthy foods.
About Slow Food
Slow Food is a global movement that unites local groups and activists around a shared vision: ensuring that everyone has access to food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet. Founded in Italy in 1986 as a response to the growing industrialization of food and the rise of fast food culture, Slow Food has since expanded its reach to more than millions of supporters in 160 countries worldwide.
About UN Tourism
UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council takes all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The election for Secretary General will be in May 2025.
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