The South Aegean has officially submitted its candidacy for the title of World Region of Gastronomy 2028, vying for one of the most important international distinctions in the fields of gastronomy and sustainable tourism.
It is the first Greek region to bid for this specific title of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), (source in Greek)following its designation as European Region of Gastronomy in 2019.
The decision to submit the bid was approved by the South Aegean Regional Council, which authorised regional governor George Hatzimarkos to complete the application process, with the aim of boosting the international profile of the gastronomic identity of the region’s 50 inhabited islands.
According to the South Aegean Region, the bid is a continuation of a strategy that began in 2014 and was significantly reinforced after the European distinction of 2019. Within this framework, more than 40 gastronomic festivals and events have been supported each year, the participation of local producers in international fairs has been strengthened, new chefs have been promoted as ambassadors of island cuisine, and gastronomy has been incorporated into planning for tourism, education and sustainable development.
The bid is backed by an alliance of 12 bodies from the Dodecanese and the Cyclades. Members of the Regional Stakeholder Committee include, among others, the Chambers of Dodecanese and Cyclades, the University of the Aegean, the hotelier associations of Rhodes, Kos and Santorini, the Federation of Cultural Associations of Rhodes, the Chefs’ Club of Dodecanese and Cyclades and the Union of Winemakers and Vine Growers of the Aegean Islands.
The action plan for 2028 includes more than 50 initiatives centred on gastronomic routes, cultural experiences on each island, reducing waste through the ‘Gastro Zero Waste’ programme, strengthening agri-food businesses and educational activities for young people and professionals. At the same time, emphasis is placed on documenting gastronomic heritage and strengthening cooperation between island regions.
In a statement, South Aegean regional governor George Hatzimarkos underlined that the islands’ gastronomy is an integral part of the archipelago’s history, traditions and hospitality, noting that the new bid is linked to the region’s commitment to innovation, protecting the natural environment and promoting a sustainable development model.
As stated in the Region’s announcement, the South Aegean aspires to develop into an international benchmark for island gastronomy and sustainable development, showcasing a model that connects local production, culture, biodiversity and tourism, with the aim of securing the title of World Region of Gastronomy in 2028.