Puerto Natales Named the World’s Next Culinary Capital
20 November 2024
Puerto Natales Named the World’s Next Culinary Capital
Puerto Natales, at the southern tip of Chile, has been awarded the esteemed Culinary Capital title by the World Food Travel Association (WFTA), the world’s leading authority on culinary tourism. This recognition highlights Puerto Natales as a destination that meets the high standards sought by food- and beverage-loving travelers, solidifying its place on the international gastronomic map.
The Última Esperanza Chamber of Tourism, representing the region’s tourism and gastronomy sectors, was the applicant for the WFTA’s Culinary Capitals program. Adriana Aguilar, Chamber Manager, expressed pride in the achievement: "For over 20 years, Puerto Natales has cultivated a rich gastronomic identity that enhances our appeal as a tourist destination. Applying to the Culinary Capitals programme was a natural step, one that has now confirmed our place among global culinary destinations. We are thrilled and proud.”
Puerto Natales, located in Chile’s Magallanes Region, is steeped in culinary heritage influenced by the Patagonian landscape of mountains, pampas, fjords, and canals. The WFTA's rigorous evaluation process assessed the area's unique attributes, traditions, and commitment to food sovereignty. This achievement represents a significant milestone for the city, province, and Chile as a whole, integrating Puerto Natales into the global network of culinary tourism destinations.
WFTA’s Ambassador in Chile, Dalma Díaz Pinto, emphasized the impact of this designation: “The Culinary Capitals programme provides an impartial audit of a destination’s culinary culture and readiness to attract culinary travelers. These travelers typically contribute on average 25% more to the local economy than traditional tourists. We warmly welcome Puerto Natales to our international network.”
Established by the WFTA in 2021, the Culinary Capitals programme was created to spotlight lesser-known destinations with a rich, yet lesser-known culinary culture. Puerto Natales joins St. George’s, Grenada; Kralendijk, Bonaire; and Cuenca, Ecuador, as the next destination in the exclusive Culinary Capitals certification program.
Being named a Culinary Capital by the WFTA brings numerous benefits, including increased visibility for destination brands, extended tourism seasons, and higher-value visitors. It strengthens community pride and fosters new cross-sector partnerships, creating opportunities for local businesses and establishing valuable international connections.
Learn more about Puerto Natales as a Culinary Capital.
The Última Esperanza Chamber of Tourism
continues to promote local gastronomy through its digital platforms, showcasing Puerto Natales as an international culinary destination.
Association Names Dr Gerald Kock as New Ambassador on Aruba
This article introduces Francesc-Fuste-Forne, the newest recipient of the prestigious culinary tourism industry Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed by the World Food Travel Association.
In this episode number 73 of our Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Allison Zinder, an American living in Paris. We speak about French food, culture and language, and why the French culinary legacy is so profound.
Nicosia Cyprus Named First Culinary Capital in Europe
Our judges have completed their final deliberations and we are pleased to announce the finalists and winners of our Association's 2024 Global Culinary Travel Awards. Best Program to Promote Culinary Culture to Visitors Eat & Walkabout (Spain) Best Beverage Experience for Culinary Travelers City of Nicosia (Cyprus) Best Culinary Heritage Product or Experience for Travelers Marang Marang Women's Association (Philippines) A press conference featuring the three winners will be streamed live with the winners on Wednesday, October 30 at 15:00 London, UK time. Visit our YouTube channel on that date, and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel in order to be notified!
In this episode number 72 of the Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Audrey Kelly. Audrey is the co-owner and head pizza maker at Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage in Boulder, Colorado in the USA, which she runs with her brother, Peter. After studying pizza-making under Tony Gemignani, she opened her restaurant, and achieved quick success, with the restaurant having been been featured on the Food Network; the Travel Channel; and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Audrey won first place in the Pizza in Teglia competition in Naples, Italy, and has been featured in the New York Times and NPR. As a mother of twin boys, she balances family life with expanding her business, including plans for a second location. Audrey also grew up in a family of bakers, so she knows a thing or two about making dough!