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Slovenia Recognised by UN Tourism as a Global Best Practice in Gastronomy Tourism Development

Published:
18.6.2026

Slovenia Recognised by UN Tourism as a Global Best Practice in Gastronomy Tourism Development

Slovenia has been recognised as one of the world's leading examples of gastronomy tourism development in a new publication by UN Tourism. The country was selected for its sustainable and strategic approach to promoting gastronomy as an integral part of the visitor experience.

On 18 June, World Sustainable Gastronomy Day, the UN Tourism and its Affiliate Member, the Basque Culinary Center, published Good Practices in the Development of Gastronomy Tourism, a new publication showcasing selected examples of successful gastronomy tourism development from around the world. Slovenia is among just eight featured destinations, recognised for its strategic, sustainable, and comprehensive approach to developing gastronomy as a key component of its tourism offer.

The publication highlights how gastronomy can extend beyond food and dining to become a powerful tool for preserving cultural heritage, supporting local communities, strengthening local food systems, protecting biodiversity, and fostering more resilient and sustainable destinations. The featured case studies from Brazil, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, and the Basque Country provide practical insights into the planning, management, and promotion of gastronomy tourism rooted in local identity, stakeholder collaboration, and long-term development strategies.

Slovenia is presented through Taste Slovenia, the Action Plan for the Development and Marketing of Gastronomy Tourism 2019–2023, prepared under the leadership of the Slovenian Tourist Board. The publication highlights the Board’s role in positioning Slovenia as a boutique gastronomy destination built on authenticity, quality, local ingredients, sustainable production, creativity, and the close connection between gastronomy, nature, culture, and local communities. Particular emphasis is also placed on the integration of gastronomy into the broader sustainable development of Slovenian tourism, encouraging responsible, local, and high-quality tourism experiences.

Slovenian gastronomy is presented as highly diverse and deeply rooted in its regions. This diversity demonstrates that Slovenian cuisine is not only an important part of the visitor experience but also a reflection of place, people, knowledge, and tradition.

Slovenia’s inclusion in the UN Tourism publication confirms the international relevance of the country’s strategic work in gastronomy tourism. It also represents recognition of the many destinations, tourism providers, producers, chefs, and partners who have contributed to Slovenia’s development as a sustainable, high-quality, and internationally recognised gastronomy destination.

The publication is available at the UN Tourism e-library.
 

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

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