THE government and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) have signed an agreement that will make Tanzania the host of the second regional forum on gastronomy tourism for Africa.

Dr Pindi Chana, the Natural Resources and Tourism minister, and Zurab Pololikashvili, the director general of UN Tourism, signed the agreement at the UN Tourism headquarters in the Spanish capital yesterday.

The event, which is expected to draw over 300 participants from around the world, is set to take place in Dar es Salaam from March 11 to 13, the minister affirmed, showing Tanzania’s enthusiasm in hosting the upcoming forum.

The country looks forward to learning from other nations’ experiences in promoting gastronomy tourism, she stated, noting that the agreement is a milestone for Tanzania as it prepares to showcase its rich culinary heritage “and strengthen its position as a leading destination for gastronomy tourism.”

“We are honoured to host this forum, which will provide us with an excellent opportunity to learn from global leaders in food tourism. Through this event, we aim to build the capacity of our chefs, diversifying local cuisines to offer tourists authentic Tanzanian dishes. We also want to explore opportunities that will arise from this forum to better promote gastronomy tourism in our country,” the minister explained.

She also underscored ongoing cooperation between Tanzania and UN Tourism, particularly in developing policies, enhancing skills, strengthening human resources and creating strategic frameworks to boost the tourism sector.

Fostering a strategic approach to tourism growth is a key area, she said, pointing at the role of UN Tourism in shaping global tourism policies, promoting sustainable tourism and fostering economic growth via the sector.

In his remarks, the UN executive, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting Africa as a viable and attractive tourism destination, with gastronomy tourism increasingly an aspect of that effort.

“UN Tourism is dedicated to positioning Africa as a vibrant, accessible, and diverse tourism destination. Gastronomy is an integral part of this, and we want to encourage Tanzania to use all available platforms to promote this forum, including collaborating with renowned chefs and influential public figures who specialize in African cuisine,” he elaborated.

Stressing the importance of ensuring a smooth visa application process and accessible travel options for participants attending the forum, he appealed to the host authorities to ensure that the visa application process and flight arrangements are as efficient and user-friendly as possible.

 Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) chairman Ambassador Ramadhani Dau attended the ceremony as well as our ambassador to Spain, Ali Jabir Mwadini, the director of tourism Dr Thereza Mugobi, TTB board member Said Kamugisha and UN officials.