By George Swarei
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – On the morning of July 26, 2024, the majestic Victoria Falls set a fitting backdrop for a historic event as Zimbabwe hosted the inaugural United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. This significant occasion was marked by a compelling address from the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who officially opened the forum with a speech that celebrated Africa’s rich culinary heritage and its potential to drive economic growth and tourism development.
A Celebration of African Gastronomy
President Mnangagwa, flanked by notable dignitaries including the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Hon. Col. (Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi, and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon. B. Rwodzi, welcomed guests and delegates to the inaugural forum. The presence of the UN Tourism Secretary General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, added further gravitas to the event.
In his address, President Mnangagwa expressed his honor in hosting the forum in the city of Victoria Falls, a location renowned for its natural beauty and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. He highlighted the significance of this event following closely on the heels of the 67th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Conference on Brand Africa, recently held in Zambia.
The Importance of Gastronomy Tourism
The President’s speech emphasized the critical role of the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe’s national development agenda. He noted that tourism is currently the third-largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, citing a remarkable 34% increase in tourism arrivals in the past year. He also highlighted the global trend of tourism growth, which now exceeds 90 percent of pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, though he lamented Africa’s modest contribution of less than 5 percent to global tourism performance.
Against this backdrop, President Mnangagwa underscored the potential of gastronomy tourism to enhance Africa’s attractiveness as a global destination. He commended the UN Tourism and stakeholders for their efforts in promoting Africa’s unique natural and cultural offerings, including its diverse cuisines. The President eloquently described the deep cultural and communal significance of African food, encapsulated in the Shona saying, “hukama igasva hunozadziswa nekudya,” which means that relationships are strengthened through the sharing of food.
Grassroots Initiatives and Cultural Branding
In Zimbabwe, the promotion of gastronomy tourism has seen significant grassroots initiatives under the leadership of First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa. Traditional Cookout Competitions, rolled out across the country’s provinces, have culminated in regional competitions, with some participants developing marketable products for both local and international markets. President Mnangagwa highlighted that these initiatives are more than just culinary contests; they are a means of community empowerment, economic transformation, and cultural branding.
The President called on stakeholders to innovate continuously by developing new products and services, promoting gastronomy-related tour packages, food festivals, and cooking classes to position Africa as a leading gastronomy tourism destination. He also stressed the importance of leveraging digital platforms for marketing and advertising, urging more Africans to host food shows on contemporary media platforms.
The Role of Agriculture and Education
Central to the success of gastronomy tourism is a thriving agriculture sector. President Mnangagwa emphasized that Africa must be self-sufficient in food production and proud of its rich flora and fauna, which offer high nutritional and medicinal benefits. He discussed Zimbabwe’s cluster-based strategy for tourism, which includes gastronomy tourism as part of the Culture and Heritage Cluster, and highlighted the importance of supporting local communities, farmers, and culinary artisans.
In a forward-looking statement, President Mnangagwa announced Zimbabwe’s privilege to host Africa’s first-ever Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. This academy will serve as a training ground for professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance service quality.
A Vision for the Future
In concluding his address, President Mnangagwa called for the promotion of African cultural dishes, recognizing their potential to sustain communities and grow economies. He encouraged institutions of higher learning to invest in capacity-building programs and research in culinary arts and gastronomic creativity, connecting these fields with health, nutrition, food production, sustainability, digitalization, and technological entrepreneurship.
The President’s speech at the forum encapsulated a vision of gastronomy tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. By embracing the rich culinary heritage of Africa, the continent can offer unique and competitive tourism experiences that attract global visitors and foster economic resilience.
Reflecting on the Forum
The inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa stands as a testament to the continent’s potential to leverage its culinary heritage for tourism development. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, strategies, and innovations, paving the way for the growth of gastronomy tourism across Africa.
As the delegates embarked on their deliberations, the vibrant and diverse flavors of African cuisine served not just as a feast for the palate but also as a powerful symbol of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry and economic potential. The forum underscored the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and investment in the tourism and hospitality industry to realize the full potential of gastronomy tourism.
Looking Ahead
The landmark event in Victoria Falls marked the beginning of a new chapter for African tourism. With the commitment of leaders like President Mnangagwa and the active involvement of stakeholders across the continent, Africa is poised to transform its culinary heritage into a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural exchange, and global recognition.
As the forum concluded, the delegates left with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective vision to elevate Africa’s gastronomy tourism to new heights. The event not only celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the continent but also charted a course for a sustainable and prosperous future for African tourism.
In the words of President Mnangagwa, “By embracing Gastronomy Tourism, we are collectively making use of our history, resilience, and commitment to a sustainable and culturally rich future of the African continent and the World at large.” The inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa has indeed set the stage for a bright and flavorful future.
