TOURISM MARKETING

UN Tourism to host Regional Forum on gastronomy tourism for Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Event in Tanzania brings together influencers, chefs, policymakers, entrepreneurs and others to examine ways to enhance Africa’s tourism brand.

UN Tourism, the tourism promotion organisation of the United Nations, is hosting its Second Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Arusha, Tanzania on 23–25 April. 

Photo: UN Tourism

The strategy to market the continent’s diverse food heritage to foreign visitors is part of a wider effort to build a Brand Africa tourism brand in collaboration with national tourism organisations. 

 

UN Tourism envisages gastronomy tourism as “a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development across the continent” and “presenting a unique opportunity to promote sustainable development, enhance the tourism value chain, preserve cultural heritage and empower local communities across the continent”. 

 

The forum in Arusha will bring together policymakers, chefs, influencers, entrepreneurs and experts to examine ways to enhance Africa’s tourism competitiveness through its rich culinary traditions. The event is endorsed by, among others, the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the Minister of Tourism and Natural Resources, Dr Pindi Hazara Chana. 

 

It builds on the first African gastronomy tourism event held at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe during July 2024. 

 

A vital contribution to sustainable tourism 

 

“Tanzania is privileged to host the second UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, a significant event that showcases our rich culinary heritage and its vital contribution to sustainable tourism,” says Dr Chana. 

 

“We extend a warm welcome to all participants to discover the diverse flavours of Tanzania, engage in constructive dialogue, and explore the potential of gastronomy as a catalyst for cultural exchange and economic development.” 

 

According to a press release from UN Tourism, discussions will focus on strengthening the tourism value chain, fostering economic resilience, enhancing education for talent development, and driving job creation.  

 

Key topics at the forum include the link between gastronomy tourism and cultural heritage, the role of food tourism in empowering local communities, the power of communication and branding in promoting African gastronomy and positioning destinations on the global stage, and the potential of local food systems to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainability.  

 

The gathering will also explore synergies between tourism and agriculture to diversify local economies, encourage entrepreneurship, and integrate small-scale producers and businesses into the tourism sector. 

 

“By promoting policy innovation, destination branding and cross-sector collaboration, the event will help unlock new opportunities for growth and investment,” UN Tourism states. 

 

The African Marketing Confederation (AMC) is currently collaborating with UN Tourism on developing a Brand Africa tourism strategy.

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.