UNWTO and Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia join forces to promote gastronomy tourism in Ubud, Bali

PR No.: PR 19044

Madrid, Spain, 14 June 2019 – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) together with the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia have announced the launch of the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project.

With the aim of advancing the contribution of tourism to economic growth, job creation and cultural preservation, UNWTO is to offer its support to the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia as it develops gastronomy tourism in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

The project will help Ubud design and develop innovative gastronomy tourism experiences that link the public and private sectors. The joint initiative will also help to better connect the various parts of the value chain and highlight the destination’s tourism attractions and products.

“Gastronomy tourism can contribute to a number of the Sustainable Development Goals. As the United Nations specialized agency for global tourism, UNWTO is delighted to be working with Indonesia to grow the gastronomy tourism sector in Ubud. We are confident that this project will create new jobs and opportunities for local communities while supporting the diversification of experiences and destinations within Bali,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said.

This project kicked off on 11 June 2019 with the first field visit by UNWTO experts. The delegation met key stakeholders in the region, held interviews and focus groups with representatives from Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia, the Government of Gianyar (Bali), and other key stakeholders, and visited several gastronomy tourism sites.

This project will be developed with the aim of advancing tourism’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially to SDG 1 (End Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption) through job creation, the empowerment of women, and the reduction of poverty and inequality.

In Indonesia, gastronomy tourism draws on a unique combination of history, culture and food. It maintains the rituals and ceremonies involved in traditional cooking processes while at the same time celebrating contemporary gastronomy.

The Gianyar region, where Ubud is located, is one of the main destinations within Bali, welcoming more than 3 million visitors a year or 17% of total visitors to Bali. Ubud was selected for the initiative since it has all the necessary elements to develop a successful gastronomy tourism destination.

Useful links:

UNWTO Development Products
UNWTO Gastronomy Guidelines

UNWTO Communications Department

Tel: (+34) 91 567 8100 / Fax: +34 91 567 8218 / comm@unwto.org