The Kingdom of Bahrain is gearing up to host the 9th edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, the world’s largest global gastronomy tourism event. 

 

Scheduled for November 18-19 at the Exhibition World Bahrain, this event is a collaborative effort between the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the UNWTO. 

 

The event is expected to further solidify Bahrain's position as a key player in the global tourism sector, reported BNA. 

 

The forum will bring together a distinguished group of local and international culinary and food tourism experts. It will feature a diverse range of activities, including panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations in food tourism.

 

The event will provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices within the industry while enhancing cooperation among stakeholders worldwide, said the organisers.

 

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, they stated.

 

The Economic Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2024 indicated that the accommodation and food services sector in Bahrain experienced a 10.7% year-on-year growth, reflecting the sector's 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, said the BNA report.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of BTEA, expressed her pride in hosting 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.

 

"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," stated Al Sairafi.

 

"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," he added.

 

The forum is poised to feature several announcements during the event regarding the opening of new international restaurants in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as noteworthy partnerships among stakeholders at local, regional and global levels, said the organisers.

 

These developments are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the sector and cement the Bahrain’s status as a promising destination for food tourism, they added.