President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday opened the first United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Regional Forum on Gastronomy for Africa, and the continent to embrace traditional cuisine to promote self-sustenance and cultural preservation.
The event, held at Elephant Hills in Victoria Falls, has attracted about 450 local and foreign delegates and will run until Sunday.
In his keynote address, Mnangagwa emphasised the critical role of tourism in the economy.
"Tourism is a vital cog to the economy and to sustainably grow the sector, the Government has developed a cluster-based strategy with gastronomy as part of it. As we develop gastronomy tourism, Africa must be a continent that can feed itself,” he said.
Mnangagwa noted how the African culture can be utilised to boost tourism.
“Given that people's cuisines are a manifestation of their culture, our continent's unique cultural heritage, food and drink therefore offers immense opportunities for further expansion of the tourism sector,” he said.
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Mnangagwa challenged industry leaders to innovate and create new products that promote gastronomy-related food packages.
“ Gastronomy enhances sustainability and inclusion as we work towards realising the Sustainable Development Goals,” said President Mnangagwa.
The First Lady of Serbia, Tamara Vučić, the First Lady of Angola, Ana Dias Lourenço, and the United Nations Tourism Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili were also in attendance.
“Their attendance underscores the international significance of the forum and highlights the collaborative efforts to promote gastronomy tourism across Africa.
"Their presence here today is a testament to the unity and shared vision we have for leveraging our rich culinary heritage to drive sustainable development and cultural preservation," Mnangagwa said.
Speaking at the same event, Pololikashvili commended Zimbabwe's effort in promoting the gastronomy industry.
“Theroled played by the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa took us here. The gastronomy industry is one of the most creative industries which will open many avenues for Africa's tourism industry,” Pololikashvili said.
Mnangagwa also received 100 scholarships from the United Nations for young Zimbabweans to further their education in the gastronomy industry.