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.
Born in Las Raíces, San Juan del Cesar, Colombia, Mabel Esther Vega Montaño honors with her life the name of the place where she was born. A rural teacher and guardian of traditions, she combines formal education with the transmission of ancestral knowledge about respectful cultivation and harvesting of the land. Through fique weaving, she connects communities and promotes rural tourism intertwined with local gastronomy, where the wooden pestle, the totumo achiotero, and the wood-fired stove accompany the preparation of traditional dishes that celebrate the living memory and deep roots of the territory to which she has devoted her life. Learn more about our new Taste of Place Movement and how you can support it and the work done by Mabel and others like her.
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