Gastronomy will boost tourism development –FTAN President

Mr Nkereuwem Onung, President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) has stated that gastronomy will lead to sustainable development to sustain the economy and boost tourism in Nigeria.

Onung said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that 2022 World Sustainable Gastronomy Day was celebrated on June 18, with the theme ‘Placing Nigeria Food on International Map.

NAN also reports that the day was organised by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism in Abuja.

According to Onung, the theme of this year’s celebration calls for more work, in ensuring that local cuisines get into international markets well packaged.

“When you sustain gastronomy, you sustain the economy, look at our hotels; they depend on a certain amount of input from the farm every single day.

“So, if that hotel is doing well, the farm will never lack a source, that is the main reason why we will continue to celebrate the day.

“We are unable to export food to other countries effectively, as well as proper packaging, due to its cumbersome process.

“It requires a lot of food processing and preservation technologies in order to arrive there,” he said.

Onung said that placing Nigeria’s food on the international market as possible, as this would boost the economy because of its unique delicacies, and rich culture, and enhance tourism.

Mr Otunba Olumoko, Vice President, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, South–West Zone, said gastronomy would help inform the world about Nigeria’s rich variety of foods, drinks and beverages.

“Like what happened on June 18, which was ‘World Sustainable Gastronomy Day. it was a remarkable event because that was the first time a food exhibition recorded large-scale attendance.

“We had about 35 to 40 local and international exhibitors on that day, hopefully, next year I believe the number will increase.

“What makes it more beautiful was the ‘Mobile Hospitality Training Kitchens’, which I considered a magnanimous move.

“The truck can be parked in an outdoor event, even on the streets, and food displayed can be served hygienically at lower costs,” Olumoko said.

Gastronomy is a cultural expression of nations through their food choices, sources of ingredients and types of cuisines that thrive culturally.

Nigeria is one of the most competitive Gastronomy tourist destinations in Africa because of its unique food culture and enticing cuisines of international repute. {NAN]