Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see Tanzania host the second UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam from 11th to 13th March 2025.
The agreement was signed by Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, and the UNWTO Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, at a meeting held at the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid, Spain, on Friday, 24 January 2025.
Speaking at the event, Dr Chana expressed Tanzania’s delight at hosting the forum, which is expected to bring together over 300 participants from around the world.
She said Tanzania aims to learn from other countries’ experiences in promoting culinary tourism.
“Through this forum, we aim to enhance the skills of our chefs in preparing diverse cuisines that not only cater to international tourists but also showcase the richness of Tanzanian culinary heritage.
Additionally, we hope to identify opportunities arising from the forum to strengthen our efforts in marketing gastronomy tourism,” Dr Chana noted.
Dr Chana further explained that Tanzania and UNWTO have been collaborating on various initiatives aimed at boosting tourism.
“We are currently seeking collaboration in areas such as policy and skills development, human resources and strategic tourism development plans,” said Dr Chana.
Additionally, Dr Chana acknowledged and appreciated the crucial role of UNWTO in shaping global tourism policies, promoting sustainable tourism and driving economic growth.
The UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said that the organisation is focused on promoting Africa as a tourist destination and highlighting culinary tourism.
To ensure the success of the forum, Mr Pololikashvili recommended that Tanzania leverage all communication channels to promote the event, including utilising influential figures and showcasing African chefs.
“I would also urge Tanzania to ensure that visa acquisition and overall air travel are convenient for attendees planning to attend the forum,” emphasised Pololikashvili.
The meeting was attended by the chairman of the Tanzania Tourism Board, Dr Ramadhani Dau; the Tanzanian Ambassador to France, accredited to Spain, Ali Jabir Mwadini; and the director of Tourism at the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Thereza Mugobi.
Others are a member of the TTB Board, Said Kamugisha; and the Head of Chancery, Amos Tengu, as well as the UNWTO secretariat.
