IGCAT update

 

PRESS RELEASE 6 February 2025 Craving an unforgettable Foodie adventure? IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 will inspire you to explore diverse food cultures and embark on a mouthwatering journey. Unveiled at a gala event held on 6 February in Miercurea Ciuc, hosted by Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy Awarded 2027, IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 present a selection of exceptional, creative, and culturally rich gastronomic experiences from around the world. From food and wine tastings, farm or factory tours, cookery classes to craft-focused experiences, food and wine routes, markets, fairs, to museums dedicated to food heritage - just some of the exciting activities you’ll find on the awarded websites! All, striving to promote local gastronomy, support producers, and celebrate unique food cultures. Moderated by IGCAT Board Member, Jaume Gomila reported that “we believe that food is a gateway to understanding the soul of a place. Through these Awards, we recognize the outstanding websites that connect travelers with authentic, creative and sustainable culinary experiences while supporting micro-businesses and regional development. The Jury applauded all participating websites for their commitment to nurturing more meaningful relationships between locals and international visitors.” In the presence of international guests and local stakeholders attending Harghita's official Award Ceremony, the top 10 websites selected from global submissions were announced, providing a most tantalizing list. The jury, with their diverse perspectives and deep knowledge, noted that these websites stood apart for their exceptional values related to supporting circular economies and their creativity. The winning websites are: Taste Saimaa from Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024; Veggera from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026; Äksyt Ämmät from Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024; NJOY Catalonia from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025; Slovenia.info from Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021; Gastronomy Tours from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026; Discover Crete from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026; Botiga Catalunya Experience from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025; Visit Harghita from Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2027; Sawa Taste of Tunisia from Tunisia. The winning websites were congratulated and given official certificates by jury representative, Ana Paula Sançana (Portugal); and Harghita County Consul, Barna-Botond Bíró. IGCAT’s international jury and criteria The websites submitted to the 4th edition of the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers 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 included: Dr. Edith M. Szivas (Spain), Vice-President of IGCAT and expert in sustainable tourism; Orazio Bellettini (Ecuador), Social entrepreneur, Co-founder and Executive Director of FUEGOS; Mayada Badr (Saudi Arabia), CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission and one of the leading Saudi names specialized in Culinary Arts; Pepe Fassos (Australia), qualified Chef, certified organic farmer, owner of Five Sixty Farms, and founder of Fusion Agrifood; Ana Paula Sançana (Portugal), Technical responsible for the beekeeping in Lousamel Beekeepers Cooperative; and Bilel Aboudi (Tunisia), national coordinator for major international programmes (EU), Head of cultural industries’ development, international negotiator and Regional culture policy expert (Arab and North Africa regions). A Gala night to crown the winning websites! In a grand celebration held at the Hotel Fenyő in Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 Award Ceremony took centre stage, bringing together international guests, local stakeholders, and tourism experts. Organized by IGCAT and Visit Harghita, the event was hosted as part of the award celebrations for Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy 2027. Receiving the Award from Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT's President means that Harghita may start planning their award year! The Award Ceremony was moderated by Günther Ottó, Radio and Television Presenter, and counted with the presence of President of the Harghita County Council, Barna-Botond Bíró; General Consul of the Hungarian Consulate in Miercurea ciuc/Csíkszereda, László Percze (online) and Consultant in tourism marketing, Pascu Răzvan. Earlier in the day, participants embarked on an exciting snow-filled adventure to Harghita Băi, where they explored the stunning winter landscapes during a guided trip to the Pálos Monastery. This was followed by a delicious lunch at the Castor Restaurant, offering a delightful showcase of the region’s culinary traditions. The evening concluded with a festive dinner at Hotel Fenyő, hosted by Visit Harghita, where guests enjoyed Harghita’s warm hospitality and rich culinary offerings, proving just how valuable food-related visitor experiences are. 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. The Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 will be given international visibility and will be permanently promoted on IGCAT’s website and social media. 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 specialized 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.europeanregionofgastronomy.org www.igcat.org info@igcat.org

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