Saudi Arabia Wins The "World Region Of Gastronomy 2024"

The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) recently announced the winner of the “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” title. Due to the Asir region, Saudi Arabia became the first Middle-Eastern country and non-European region to win the title. The IGCAT President, Diane Dodd, will be crowning Asir in an official ceremony to be held in Italy.

Asir region has been named “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), making it the first non-European region to win the title. The title is awarded to grant the honor to various regions of countries showing exceptional culinary skills developed in a sustainable environment. The President of IGCAT, Diane Dodd, will honor the region in an official ceremony in Italy in September 2022.

Authorities behind the win

The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission initiated this massive endeavor with the help of various partners, including the Beekeepers Cooperative Association, Saudi Tourism Authority, Heritage Commission, King Khalid University, Water and Agriculture, Aseer Development Authority, Saudi Tourism Society, Bunyan for Training, Ministry of Environment, Saudi Heritage Preservation Society, Social Development Committee, Soudah Development Company, Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Restaurants and Cafes Association, Environment Development Society, and the Ministry of Education.

The IGCAT jury visited the Asir region in February and March 2022 and met local stakeholders to evaluate Asir’s preparations for winning the title. The visit left the jury full of optimism as the region’s efforts to encourage local culture and diversity in food presented quite a promising picture. The steps that have been taken to ensure sustainability through biodiversity and environmental preservation also left a hopeful impression. The region also boasted of preserving traditional culture and know-how that would educate young generations and make room for newer innovations.

The judges praised the friendly attitudes of the local people in Asir and their endless efforts to show and promote their local food and culture. They also noted the pride and love of chefs, farmers, local marketers, producers, young innovators, and guides for their culture and heritage, as well as the cooperation between them to preserve their traditional food culture.

This win is not only historic but extremely significant for the region in particular, as the local community will greatly benefit from it. Their traditional culture and distinguished cuisine will reach the corners of the world. The community will be able to present their traditional methods of cooking and the ways in which many food issues can be tackled, paving the way for a more sustainable and healthy way of life.

Asir’s sustainable development

Through the win, Asir has been able to prove that both preservation of culture and sustainable development can go hand-in-hand. They were able to show that local communities’ engagement is of utmost importance for environmental protection and the promotion of biodiversity. Even while cooking traditionally, the community members proved to limit the use of single-use plastic and other pollutants. Regional stakeholders like farmers and producers must cooperate to achieve a worldwide regional identity.

The “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” title is said to benefit the region’s economy by encouraging more public and private funding. This, in turn, will enhance the quality of products and services in the region, which will lead to increased tourism. With better funding and planning, the region can boost its sustainable programs and increase the value of Asir’s local community and culture.

IGCAT strives to empower local communities by educating them on the need to preserve and promote their local food culture and heritage, including arts and natural resources, as part of long-term tourism and development initiatives. This is critical for the protection of our world, our health, our well-being, and our local economy. The non-profit organization aims to promote sustainable tourism through gastronomy, arts, and culture.