By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Zimbabwe will host the first ever UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Showcase from 26 to 28 July 2024 in Victoria Falls.
This indicates that Zimbabwe has gone levels higher in promoting Gastronomy Tourism as African countries will be invited to showcase their traditional cuisine during the period.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi told attendants at the Community Provincial Cookout Competitions for Harare at University of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, that through the efforts of First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagawa, Zimbabwe had been given the opportunity to host the first ever UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Showcase.
“In addition to this, UN Tourism also availed scholarships to 100 students in the field of tourism and the country was given the opportunity to build a UN Tourism Academy for the SADC region in Victoria Falls. This is meant to enhance the tourism and culinary skills for our students,” Minister Rwodzi said.
The Traditional Cookout programme is a concept which was introduced by Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr A. Mnangagwa in 2019.
In 2023, the Programme was elevated further to SADC Regional Gastronomy competitions and this inaugural event was successfully held in Masvingo with 8 countries participating, namely; Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola, DRC, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi and Nigeria.
She said the 2024 traditional Cookout Competitions were slightly different from the previous editions in that our contestants were competing in three different categories, namely; Students in Tourism or Culinary programmes, Professional Chefs and Community categories.
“The main purpose of having these categories is to provide a plain level field in the spirit of inclusivity, leaving “no one and no place behind”.
“My Ministry is committed to ensuring a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits among communities, thus creating definitive inroads towards the elimination of poverty,” she said.
She said tourism had evolved beyond mere holidaying and recreation to deeper life experiences that include gastronomy which plays a pivotal role as a gateway for understanding destination’s culture and heritage.
“Culinary experiences have become a driving force in travel decisions, as food enthusiasts seek authentic and immersive opportunities to taste the flavours of the world.
“Many countries including Spain, Italy, China and France rely on gastronomy as a major driver of their economies. Ultimately, that is where we aim at, to put Zimbabwe on the global map and be the gastronomy powerhouse in Africa,” she said.
According to UN Tourism (2023) statistics, Tourism revenue generated USD 1.4 trillion globally whilst spending on Food related activities is estimated to account for 40 percent of the global tourism expenditure.
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