Globally, the gastronomic or culinary tourism industry is worth around $800 billion. South Africa, with its excellent culinary offerings, cultural varieties, and some of the best chefs in the world, has the potential to become a leader in culinary tourism.
However, to become a leader in the culinary tourism market, a lot of work still needs to be done.
How will South Africa establish itself as a food destination?
The majority of the work needed for South Africa to become a leader in the culinary tourism market involves defining, harnessing, and promoting the country’s identity as a food destination to the rest of the world.
During the SA Chef Conference and Expo in Cape Town, food industry experts took part in discussions about South Africa as a global food destination. They grappled with issues around regulation, sustainability, and also the state of gastronomy tourism in the country.
“South Africa is on its way to being a leader in this field but a lot more work needs to be done.”
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille
De Lille called on the leaders in South Africa’s culinary arena to keep pushing the boundaries. She also added that the strategy should include the diversity of food and flavours across the country to ensure inclusivity.
Chefs point out challenges
Some of the top chefs in the country have raised the concern that there is a lot of confusion surrounding what authentic South African food really is. This is mainly because of a lack of knowledge and effective marketing.
“There isn’t a clear channel showcasing brilliant people presenting really delicious food,” said Steenberg Executive Chef Kerry Kilpin.
Chef Gregory Henderson pointed out that South Africans eat very differently in all the different regions of South Africa.
According to a remark made by chef Pete Goffe Wood, South African food ‘has no identity’.
Cape Town setting a good example
Readers voted Cape Town as the best city worldwide for food in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Cape Town’s vibrant food scene blends flavours from African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian cooking, making it a unique culinary hub.
“We are thrilled to be recognised as the best city in the world for food,” said Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism. “This accolade reflects the passion and innovation of our chefs and food artisans.”
Source: The South African
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