Bali’s Ubud hails as UNWTO’s first gastronomic centre for tourists

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Bali’s Ubud hails as UNWTO’s first gastronomic centre for tourists due to its incredible food scene.

From the delectable spicy dishes across the Indonesian archipelago to the world of cuisines available at the top restaurants and resorts around the island, food lovers are spoilt for choice in Bali.

There was an announcement earlier this year that Ubud would become the first United National World Tourism Organisation’s World Gastronomic Center.

The Indonesian Ministry for Creative Economies and the UNWTO have come together to pilot the project in Ubud.

In this world first, Ubud will become a global hub for sustainable gastronomic tourism. The project has been in the pipeline since 2018, with work restarted earlier this year.

The Ministry of Tourism and the UNWTO says the project has been created with the aim of growing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage.

The project will also boost the local economy, create jobs and drive sustainable and inclusive development.

Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno told reporters on Monday that Ubud was chosen as a pilot project.

It was because of the readiness and good collaboration of tourism and creative tourism actors and stakeholders there.

According to the UNWTO, the Gastronomy Tourism Club will be developed as a series of workshops that will enable gastronomy specialists to come together to turn Ubud into a global hub of sustainable and authentic community-based gastronomic experiences.

The Secretary of the Gianyar Regency Tourism Office, Pande Putu Ayu Sri Ratnawati, said that a gastronomic work team has been formed which will follow up on this.

The food in Ubud, from breakfast, lunch to dinner, will be a world model as well as traditional culinary delights which will be packaged in a healthy way.

Ubud is a destination synonymous with art and culture, rest, and rejuvenation. It makes perfect sense to add world-class culinary experiences into the mix.

In fact, many would argue that Ubud is already halfway there. The arts and cultural capital of the island is home to some of the most popular restaurants and cafes on the island.

The food scene in Ubud already has a strong commitment to health and sustainability. There are restaurants like Moksa, Kebun Bistro and Zest. All of them showcase the finest locally grown produce throughout their varied menus.

The development of Ubud as a World Gastronomic Center will happen in three phases, largely focused on the business end of things.

But these technical aspects will quickly translate to a whole new set of culinary experiences for tourists.

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