Almost a decade ago, something incredible happened in the world of tourism. The world finally woke up to what every traveller and adventurer already know as fact. That food, is in indeed the centre of every experience whenever you visit a new place, be it city or country. Ask any tourist and they will tell you that every travel experience is never complete without sampling the local cuisine as a way to fully immerse yourself in the culture.

This revelation has become so big that even the United Nations, through the World Tourism Organization, has created platforms and experiences that deal specifically with food and its unique and vast eco system. They term it… Gastronomy Tourism

In the second Global Report on Gastronomy Tourism, Taleb Rifai, the UNWTO Secretary General until 2017, writes: “People seek to experience food in the same way that they seek out other elements of different cultures like art, music and architecture… Gastronomy tourism offers enormous potential stimulating local, regional and national economies as well as enhancing sustainability and inclusion”

The report went to say that most people believe that gastronomy is a distinctive and strategic element in defining the image and brand of any destination.

No truer words and as any tourist will tell you, the taste experience is just as important for a wholistic sensory, truly immersive moment.

The UNWTO Gastronomy Summit is in its 9th year and Botswana, through the Botswana Tourism Organization, participated for the 1st time in 2022, led by star Chef, Joseph Seeletso. Botswana beef sat centre stage the world got the opportunity to TASTE the best of this beautiful country.

One thing is for sure, country participation continues to increase, a clear sign that nations finally see the value of those who have added flavour and colour to our beloved cities around the world. It is affirming, not only for the tourism industry but importantly for the local food economy that need our support now more than ever.