In a letter from the Deputy Minister of Tourism Sophia Zacharaki, responsible for special forms of tourism, the Ministry of Tourism informed the chambers, associations and tourism bodies, about the 3rd Gastronomic Tourism Competition Worldwide for Startup ( 3RD GLOBAL GASTRONOMY TOURISM STARTUP COMPETITION ) of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A competition implemented in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center.

The competition aims to accelerate gastronomy tourism initiatives through innovation. At the same time, the aim is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This will result in a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism.

To whom it is addressed - Competition categories

1. Start-ups that develop and promote the creation of a startup. A key component is high technology for the provision of solutions or new services related to the field of gastronomic tourism.
2. Start-ups that develop and promote projects with a key component of transformation and social improvement in their field. Prerequisite to be linked to the the gastronomic tourism sector .
3. Start-ups developing and promoting projects with a key component of sustainability and/or management of food waste in relation to the impact caused by tourists

Opportunities - benefits for participating Startup

As part of the competition, candidate companies will enjoy a number of benefits such as:

• guidance from the UNWTO and leading partners
• Investment opportunities
• participation in the innovation network of the World Tourism Organization
• scholarship opportunities for the Online Tourism Academy
• opportunity to present their launch at the 7th UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum (Nara, Japan June 2022) etc.

Sofia Zacharaki, Deputy Minister of Tourism

"The undeniable influence of gastronomy on travel and the growing demand for gastronomic tourism have made this form of tourism one of the most important special forms with growth opportunities that attract the growing interest of governments as well. Gastronomic tourism stimulates entrepreneurship and the creation of new companies and organizations and affects many sectors through its multiplier effects. Indeed, our country has a significant potential advantage in the field of gastronomy, which if utilized can contribute catalytically to the enhancement of the national tourism product by giving it further characteristics of uniqueness and authenticity".

• Application deadline: 01 June 2022
• Announcement of the shortlisted nominations on the relevant UNWTO website: 15 September 2022
• Announcement of the winners and session: December 2022