Assess Your Readiness
Culinary Tourism Readiness Assessment
Understand your destination's strengths, identify opportunities, and build a clear foundation for successful gastronomy tourism development.
CAPITALS OF CULINARY CULTURE
Recognition advances Taste of Place by celebrating destinations that lead with culinary culture.
CERTIFIED CAPITALS OF CULINARY CULTURE
Every destination has a culinary story worth preserving. Recognition celebrates those communities that choose to protect it for future generations.
Note that in 2026, we updated the program name to "Capitals of Culinary Culture" from "Culinary Capitals" to emphasize the importance of culinary culture and heritage in the certification process.
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST CAPITALS
Carlos Bacacela
Coordinador de Cuenca Destino Gastronómico
Cuenca, Ecuador
“The certification recognises Cuenca’s rich gastronomy. It promotes gastronomic tourism, generates opportunities for the HORECA sector, farmers and artisans, and opens doors to international collaboration.”
Maria Athanasopoulou
City Gastronomy Liaison
Loutraki, Greece
“The program has contributed positively to highlighting the culinary identity of Loutraki. It offers an additional and significant platform for cultural and gastronomic visibility.”
Applications for the 2027 year are being accepted through November 30, 2026.
What criteria do we evaluate in your application?
Our evaluation looks at the full picture of what makes a destination's culinary culture distinct and visitor-ready. We consider the depth of your culinary heritage and how those traditions live on today, the role your local agriculture and terroir play in shaping your cuisine, and the dishes, products, and designations that set your destination apart. We also look at the chefs, cooks, and storytellers who bring your food scene to life, the markets and retail experiences visitors can explore, the tours and activities available beyond the dinner table, any local food and beverage manufacturing, and how well your destination welcomes travelers with diverse dietary needs. Together, these factors help us understand not just what your destination has to offer, but how ready it is to compete for food-loving travelers.
Interested in Certifying Your Destination?
Join the ranks of esteemed culinary destinations by certifying your unique food experiences with the World Food Travel Association. Our certification process not only enhances your destination's visibility but also assures travelers of the authenticity and quality of your culinary offerings. Elevate your destination's profile in the global culinary tourism landscape and attract discerning travelers eager to explore the rich flavors and traditions your region has to offer. Discover how our certification can transform your culinary tourism potential today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fee cover?
Your annual fee covers both your application review and your first year of certification benefits. There is nothing additional to pay on top of it, whether you're certified or working toward a passing score. It reflects the cost of expert evaluation, your detailed performance report, and a full year of marketing and strategic guidance. Reach out to us directly for current pricing details specific to your destination.
How do you determine if a destination meets the criteria to join the program, and what happens if it doesn't?
Your application is scored against the criteria described above, out of a total of 100 points. A score of 70 or higher earns Capitals of Culinary Culture certification. If your destination doesn't reach that threshold, you're not left without a path forward: you'll receive a detailed performance report showing exactly where to improve, and you can update and resubmit your application once within 11 months at no additional cost.
How long does the process take, from application to decision?
Once you receive the application, you have 30 days to complete and submit it (an iextension is discouraged but available if needed). Some destinations get a head start on the process by using AI to help with their answers. After submission, our team needs 5 business days to review your materials and calculate your score.
Who should complete the application on our destination's behalf?
Any tourism office, mayor's office, tourism ministry, NGO, or private group with a strong understanding of the destination's culinary identity can apply. You don't need to hire outside consultants — our team, including your local area ambassador where available, is available throughout the process to help.
What does the year-round support include after certification?
Certified destinations receive a bespoke logo, a listing among current Capitals of Culinary Culture, an official press release, and regular social media promotion. Beyond marketing, we work with you throughout the year on your gastronomy tourism strategy so certification translates into real progress that you can measure annually, not just a badge.
How long does certification last, and what's involved in renewing?
Certification is valid for one year. To renew, you update your original application with the past year's activities and developments, and we recalculate your score and provide a fresh performance report. It's all included in your renewal fee.
Continue Your Taste of Place Journey
Recognition is one milestone in a destination's journey. Explore the research, assessments, and strategic guidance that help communities strengthen their culinary identity and prepare for long-term success.
Build Your Strategy
Strategy & Consulting
Work with WFTA to transform insights into practical strategies that strengthen culinary culture, engage stakeholders, and support sustainable destination development.
Measure Your Progress
Gastronomy Tourism Maturity Index (GTMI)
Benchmark your destination against internationally recognized indicators and measure your progress toward becoming a stronger gastronomy tourism destination.
