ETC and IGCAT to Promote Authentic Food Travel Experiences in Europe

The European Travel Commission (ETC) and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) have joined forces to raise the profile of gastronomy in Europe and enhance the international promotion of pan-European thematic tourism.

Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of ETC and Dr Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT.

IGCAT is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating and supporting local stakeholders to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.

“Food tourism heritage has intrinsic value as a selling point for Europe,” Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of ETC, said. “We are convinced that by joining forces with IGCAT to promote Europe’s rich cultural and food diversity in third countries, we will foster the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and improve the overall experience of our visitors while maintaining the quality of life of local communities and environment,” he said.

IGCAT also manages the Regions of Gastronomy Platform, an initiative that facilitates the development of high-quality and sustainable visitor experiences that promote local food and traditions. Since 2012, IGCAT provides the European Region of Gastronomy Award to destinations that foster development based on their unique culture, traditions and local gastronomy.

The new partnership between both organisations will ensure that the European Regions of Gastronomy receive prominent visibility on the VisitEurope.com portal among other future joint promotional activities.

The “European Region of Gastronomy 2019” title was awarded to the Region of South Aegean earlier this year.