Europe is one of the world's leading tourist destinations, partly thanks to its diverse gastronomy and high-quality food produce that is especially linked to local traditions and landscapes. The growing interest in gastronomy provides a unique opportunity for both tourism and food industries.

The Food Tourism Week brought together the main players in the tourism sector (industry representatives, international organisations, NGOs, opinion leaders, small businesses, and national and regional authorities) for discussing the future of this promising segment of tourism.

The EU is strongly committed to preserving and promoting European know-how in food production. With this aim it has implemented policies on quality food and established quality schemes such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).

Moreover, the European Parliament has recently adopted a Report on the European Gastronomic Heritage that calls upon the Commission and EU countries to further include European gastronomic heritage in culture-related initiatives and policies.

The event presented different perspectives, new business opportunities and innovative way to promote gastronomy as essential part of the tourism experience.

28 September

• Programme (199 KB)
• Speakers' contributions:
  • Video: Europe. Whenever you are ready
  • Food and the tourism experience. Presentation by Alain Dupeyras (448 KB)
  • Panel 1: food-tourism trends - The Council of Europe’s cultural routes and gastronomy. Presentation by Penelope Denu (2 MB)
  • The Michelin Guide - a century devoted to excellence. Presentation by Gwendal Poullennec (2 MB)
  • Video: Starwood Hotels and Resorts
  • The evolution of the food experience in the hotel industry (Starwood Hotels and Resorts) (2 MB)
  • Bodega Crusoe treasure - the treasure of the sea. Presentation by Borja Saracho (20 MB)
  • The European food fairs and festivals platform. Presentation by Miguel Gallego (2 MB)
  • Champagne: from a wine region to a travel destination promoting French lifestyle. Presentation by Vincent Perrin (2 MB)
  • Scotland: Serving up delicious flavours amidst stunning scenery. Presentation by Gwen Raez (2 MB)
  • Eating Europe Tours - Giving tourists access into local food culture through guided culinary experiences. Presentation by Kenny Dunn (2 MB)
  • A taste of the Viking Age - Cultural experiences through food - Viking Cultural Route. Presentation by Hege Anita Eilertsen (2 MB)
  
  
• Photo gallery

29 September

• Morning:

The Chocolate Way aims at promoting the European artistic, historic and cultural heritage linked to cacao and chocolate. The Chocolate Way is also working for official recognition by the European Parliament of the European Choco Day on 1 October.

The Chocolate Way programme

• Afternoon:

European Region of Gastronomy Award. The European Region of Gastronomy award aims to contribute to better quality of life in European regions by highlighting distinctive food cultures, educating for better health and sustainability and stimulating gastronomic innovation. At the same time, a knowledge-exchange platform of European Regions (coordinated by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) is created.

European Region of Gastronomy Award programme

30 September

• Euromeeting, 13th edition

Europe is a competitive destination thanks also to its high quality gastronomy, and the diversity of local produce and traditions. The Euromeeting will showcase good practice from the European regions of NECSTouR with a close-up of some European gastronomic routes as a unique way to discover European culture and food history.

Euromeeting programme information (in Italian)

Euromeeting programme (in English)