op 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2023 awarded by IGCAT

 

PRESS RELEASE Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2023 awarded by IGCAT 14 June 2023

The tastiest list of the year for food experiences lovers has finally been revealed! IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2023 were awarded at a gala event held in Amiens, Hauts-de-France, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2023 on 14 June. The Top Websites for Foodie Travelers initiative acknowledges websites that offer unique, creative, cultural and gastronomic experiences in the World and European Regions of Gastronomy. These include, but are not limited to: food and wine tastings; farm or factory visits; cookery classes; craft-related experience; food and/or wine route; food and/or wine markets or fairs; museums/heritage sites related to food. The top 10 websites from global submissions provide a delicious journey through distinct food cultures: Slovenia.info from Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021, was selected for being well-structured, easy to navigate, attractive and well-presented. It showcases a wide range of food experiences, some truly unique and inspiring with a genuine feel and engaging. The nice design, multiple languages and connection with social media was also highly appreciated. Äksyt Ämmät from Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024, was recognised because of its focus on the visitor and the many authentic, innovative and sustainable food experiences on offer from the region. The jury found the images attractive and the sustainable travel certification a way of creating confidence. The website is also easy to navigate. NJOY Catalonia from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025, was acknowledged for its focus on unique, creative and interesting food experiences. The jury also found the images attractive, the website well-structured and the experiences to have good titles. The jury appreciated the website’s commitment of respecting the destination. Norway Food Region from Trondheim-Trøndelag European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022, was selected because it is really well-structured, attractive and offers high quality, authentic and local food experiences with useful information for the visitor. The jury also appreciated the announcement of the international title, European Region of Gastronomy Award 2022 on the homepage, because this reassures international visitors. Taste Savo from Kuopio European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2020-2021, was recognised because it strongly links to the values and principles of the European Region of Gastronomy title which creates confidence in international visitors. The gastronomic experiences offered are unique and creative, as well as sustainable and cross-sectoral involving a range of different stakeholders in the region, thereby promoting the regional territory, local producers and products. Margarita Studios - Paros Greek Cooking Lessons from South Aegean European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2019, was complimented for offering intimate cooking and food trail experiences from a family-run boutique hotel with a green policy. The cooking experiences are authentic in terms of the setting, the use of locally produced food and the recipes passed down within the family of the hosts. The website is clear, attractive and accessible, and closely connected with their local food heritage. Gastronomy Hauts-de-France from Hauts-de-France European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2023, was selected for being well-structured and promoting beautifully the gastronomy of Hauts-de-France, as well as its European Region of Gastronomy 2023 title. The visual material gives a great first impression and the movie made the jury hungry to know more. Cómete Menorca from Menorca European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022, was acknowledged for showcasing some really lovely food experiences, as well as restaurants across the island. The structure, descriptions and online booking options work very well. The jury also complimented the website for offering educational, inclusive, and family-friendly experiences linked to the regional territory, promoting local producers and products. Sa Cooperativa del Camp de Menorca from Menorca European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022, was selected for offering some outstanding family and child-friendly food/rural experiences. The structure works very well and the content comes across as genuine and sincere, projecting people, producers and passion. The jury appreciated the educational value of many of the activities and the promotion of local producers and products. The jury felt the information provided to be very complete. Experience Catalunya from Catalonia World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025, was complimented for highlighting authenticity, sustainability, proximity and diversity of the Catalan territory, as well as for promoting and supporting micro-businesses. The website has a good design, is easily navigated, has great photos and a clear regional map. The search functions to find experiences according to activity, price and location is exceptional. IGCAT’s international jury and criteria The websites submitted to this 2nd edition of the competition were evaluated by an international jury of experts from IGCAT who assessed them according to a series of criteria such as usability, sustainability and creativity of the experiences offered, as well as their connection with the regions they promote. The jury was chaired by Vice-President of IGCAT and expert in sustainable tourism, Dr. Edith M. Szivas and included: Levan Kharatishvili, IGCAT Expert and CEO and founder of the Creative Strategies Lab; Marina Simião, IGCAT Expert from Brazil and, Chief of Staff at Emater-Minas Gerais and expert in creative tourism; Alessandro Piacentini, winemaker, international sommelier, wine communicator and event organiser from Sicily, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025; Wendy Barrie, IGCAT Expert from Scotland and Director of the Scottish Food Guide & Scottish Cheese Trail; Dr. Fares A. Braizat, IGCAT Expert from Jordan and Chairman at NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions and IGCAT President Diane Dodd PhD. A gala night to award the winning websites The gala event was attended by representatives of the candidate and awarded World and European Regions of Gastronomy, who gathered in Hauts-de-France to celebrate the 26th IGCAT Best Practices Platform Meeting (12-16 June 2023). Held at the Chamber of Trade and Industry in Amiens, the award ceremony was moderated by President of IGCAT, Diane Dodd PhD and Baptiste Resse, Coordinator of Hauts-de-France European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2023, and counted with the presence of Regional Councillor at Hauts-de-France Region and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Amiens, Jean Christophe Loric; Vice-president of Amiens Metropolis, Paul-Éric Decle; Executive Manager of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Amiens-Picardie, Stephane Bonnefond; and Coordinator of the Campus des Métiers et des Qualifications Tourism and Innovation Hauts-de-France, Caroline Sorez. Jean Christophe Loric highlighted how the Hauts-de-France region is proud of having received the European Region of Gastronomy 2023 title, and stressed that the award allowed the region to be recognised as a great gastronomic destination. He also welcomed the opportunities that the title offers to raise the profile of the local food sectors and all the actors involved in it. Diane Dodd praised all websites participating in the competition for giving the opportunity to visitors to discover the gastronomy and culture of their regions, helping keep the local food and crafts traditions alive, as well as supporting local small businesses. “We are very happy to be able to highlight great portals that showcase exceptional experiences in different regions from across the world. This year’s edition was open to websites from all over the globe and I am proud to quote Marina Simião, jury member from Brazil, who noted during the evaluations that the websites presented by the World/European Regions of Gastronomy are on another level!” she concluded. On behalf of the international jury, Dr. Edith M. Szivas highlighted: “We had the chance to evaluate outstanding websites that really represent a fusion between food and travel, and that inspired us with new experiences, new cultures and new destinations. We were very impressed and congratulate all of the websites on the great work they are doing in promoting authentic and exceptional food related experiences.” The Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2023 will be given international visibility and will be permanently promoted on IGCAT’s website and social media. About IGCAT’s Top Websites for Foodie Travelers By publishing an annual list of Top Websites for Foodie Travelers, IGCAT aims to: increase international visitors access to quality food and cultural experiences; give international visibility to niche food and culture experiences; and reward portals and apps that support micro-businesses and contribute to sustainable territorial development. In doing so, IGCAT hopes to encourage the development of new and unique food experiences initiatives or start-ups, and provide inspiration to build innovative, creative and positive food experiences. About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being. About IGCAT IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies. IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, 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 founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu. For more information: www.igcat.org info@igcat.org