A series of proposals for the development of gastronomy tourism in Greece, including product certification, special training, and a gastronomy map are now open for public consultation, the Tourism Ministry announced on Tuesday.
The recommendations, drawn up last year by a specially designated working group, include the introduction of a Special Quality Label to be granted by the ministry for Greek cuisine; the creation of a gastronomic map of Greece; providing education in culinary tourism for sector professionals; establishing a dedicated body which will develop, promote and market Greek gastronomy; setting up a gastronomic tourism observatory.
The results of the public discussion here will be used to finalize a national strategy for the development of gastronomy tourism, the ministry said, which will center on four key areas: products, nutrition and gastronomy, dining, and tourism.
“Greek Gastronomy, understood as Greek cuisine, dining and raw materials, has the potential to become one of the three main reasons tourists, Greeks and foreigners choose our country as a vacation destination,” said Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, admitting that for years the tourism activity had been “neglected”.
“We believe that the main goal for Greek gastronomy is its development and interconnection with other sectors of the Greek economy, such as primary production,” said the minister, adding that the development of the relevant activities will create the conditions for tourists visiting Greece to seek and buy local products in their own country as well as return to Greece “with the intention of increasing their spending”.
Source: news.gtp.gr
Photo: Visit Greece
