The World Regions of Gastronomy Award

Empowering Regions to Celebrate Their Food Cultures, Strengthen Local Economies,
and Lead Sustainable Change Through Gastronomy.

Application Guideline
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The World Region of Gastronomy Award celebrates regions on all continents that embrace their culinary heritage as a driver of sustainable development, strengthening the deep connections between food, the environment hospitality, tourism, culture and health.​

It highlights the power of food as a force for positive change, ensuring that gastronomic traditions and innovations thrive whilst protecting the planet and enriching lives for generations to come.​

It is more than recognition; it is a call to action for regions across the world to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and champion sustainable food systems. By uniting diverse stakeholders – from small-scale producers to policymakers, chefs to educators – the initiative fosters economic resilience, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship.

By empowering communities to safeguard biodiversity, preserve traditional foodways, and innovate for a more sustainable future, the World Region of Gastronomy Award highlights the essential role of gastronomy in shaping a better world.

BENEFITS OF BEING A WORLD REGION OF GASTRONOMY

Unite Your Region

Unlocking further development opportunities and access to funding.

Showcase Your Identity

Gaining international recognition and visibility.

Connect Globally

Joining an international network to collaborate, innovate and grow sustainably.

Aabdallh

Advance Sustainability

Applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Empower your Region

Building a thriving future-focused community.

Aseer Local Tradition

Commit with Purpose

Improving food quality and honoring local traditions.

Guaycan

Promote Sustainable Travel

Encouraging responsible regional tourism that protects the environment.

Support Your People

Empowering local businesses and professionals through training, networking, and resources.

Honey Arabia

Strengthen Your Economy

Boost your region’s economic resilience across food, culture, and tourism sectors.

Route to the World Region of Gastronomy Award 

Step 1
Form a Regional Stakeholder Committee & Define Shared Objectives
Convene a diverse group of public, private, third-sector, and knowledge institutions to guide the process and ensure broad regional support aligned with the values of the World Region of Gastronomy Platform.
1
Step 1
Step 2
Submit Official Application Letter and signed Protocol Agreement
Send a letter of interest to IGCAT with a signed Protocol Agreement, demonstrating commitment to at least five years of collaboration, shared learning, and project participation.
2
Step 2
Step 3
Appoint an Executive Board & Management Team
Designate representatives from each sector and hire a full-time Executive Manager and Assistant(s) to coordinate the bid and programme. Regular meetings with stakeholders start to take place.
3
Step 3
Step 4
Submit the Award Bid Book
Work together to design a meaningful bid with a chosen theme, backed by signed Letters of Commitment and alignment with IGCAT guidelines. The bid book is an audit of all the wonderful projects, food and committed institutions as well as a road map for your long-term goals that protect and promote your food and cultural diversity.
4
Step 4
Step 5
Gain approval from IGCAT’s members and organise a jury visit
Received a jury visit for them to assess the regions readiness to the host the title year. Receive the recommendations from the jury and submit a final response in the case that IGCAT requests additional information or evidence of commitment to the process.
5
Step 5
Step 6
Make plans for an Award Ceremony
Organise a large-scale inclusive event to celebrate the Award with local stakeholders and invite IGCAT to present the Award to the highest level representative. The event should include the opportunity to explore further areas of collaboration across the region.
6
Step 6

About IGCAT

IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.

IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2010, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.

IGCAT provides the European and World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites Award and the Food Film Menu.

Reg Vanua Photo

READY TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY?

For more information, please contact:

Download Guideline
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