Investing in the Culinary Tourist Guiding Profession
1 August 2024
WFTA and WFTGA Relaunch Strategic Partnership
The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) and the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
(WFTGA) are thrilled to announce the relaunch of their strategic partnership, focusing on the training and certification of culinary tourist guides. This collaboration aims to address the growing interest in food and beverage as primary attractions for travelers worldwide.
Culinary Tourism on the Rise
Culinary tourism has seen significant growth in recent years. The WFTA’s 2020 Food Travel Monitor proved that 93% of leisure travelers choose their next destination based on the reputation of its culinary culture. And various sources have estimated the value of the world’s culinary tourism market at nearly US$1 trillion this year, with growth projected to nearly US$3 trillion by 2032. This surge is driven by travelers' increasing desire for authentic and immersive food experiences and renewed interest in culinary culture as an important facet of sustainability.
Importance of Specialized Training and Certification
The partnership between WFTA and WFTGA, which initially provided culinary tourist guide training and certification, will be reinstated to meet the rising demand for qualified guides in this niche sector. Certified culinary tourist guides and tour directors bring a depth of knowledge and expertise not often found among standard tourist guides. The training and certification will ensure a richer and more informative food and beverage experience for travelers
“Certified culinary tourist guides are essential for delivering the depth of knowledge that food enthusiasts crave today," said Erik Wolf, Executive Director of the WFTA. "Their specialized training allows them to provide in-depth insights into local cuisines, cooking techniques, and food history, enhancing the overall visitor experience in a unique way."
Sebastian Frankenberger, President of the WFTGA, added, "Our renewed partnership with the WFTA ensures that our tourist guides are well-equipped to cater to the sophisticated tastes of culinary tourists. This collaboration not only benefits travelers but also supports local economies by promoting awareness of regional culinary traditions."
Benefits for Travelers and Local Economies
Certified culinary tourist guides offer several advantages over regular tourist guides. They are trained to understand and convey the intricacies of local food culture, provide recommendations on authentic dining experiences, and create tailored culinary tours that highlight the best of local gastronomy. This expertise enhances the travel experience, making it more educational and enjoyable.
Moreover, culinary tourism significantly contributes to local economies by attracting tourists to food festivals, culinary trails, and cooking classes. It supports local farmers, markets, and microenterprise culinary artisans, promoting sustainable practices and preserving culinary heritage.
In Loving Memory and with Deep Gratitude: Honoring Brian F. Lorge
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 80: “Mexico Beyond the Myths” featuring Ximena Velasco In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we chat with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Quarterly tales from the ambassadors of the World Food Travel Association
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 79: “Peace Through Food” featuring Paula Mohammed In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and Māori mother, raised in both Canada and New Zealand. She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Chef Dela Acolatse from Ghana is the newest certified ambassador for the World Food Travel Association.
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 78: “From Abidjan to London” featuring Paule-Odile Beke In this episode, Ivorian-French chef Paule-Odile Béké shares her journey from sneaking street food in Abidjan to founding her Afro-fusion catering company in London and competing on MasterChef: The Professionals. She reflects on her culinary roots, the influence of family, her experiences in Paris and London, and her mission to elevate Ivorian cuisine on the global stage. Paule also discusses resilience in the kitchen, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting new ventures with Ivorian teas, spirits, and food products. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
