As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, travellers are seeking more immersive and authentic experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
As some would prefer to do their sightseeing via these social media platforms, Food Tourism cannot be experienced only by seeing them on the media.
These need to be seen and tasted. Culinary travel, or food tourism, has emerged as a powerful tool to redefine the tourism industry. By exploring the rich culinary heritage of a destination, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and history.
The Rise of Culinary Travel
Culinary travel has become a significant trend in the tourism industry, with foodies and travellers alike seeking unique and authentic culinary experiences. According to the World Food Travel Association, food tourism accounts for approximately 25% of global tourism revenue. This growing interest in culinary travel has led to the development of food-focused tours, cooking classes, and culinary festivals.
Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a reflection of a culture’s history, traditions, and values. Culinary travel allows travellers to delve into the heart of a destination’s culture, exploring the significance of local ingredients, cooking techniques, and dining customs. For example: In Ghana, the traditional dish of fufu and light soup is a symbol of community and hospitality.
It has become popular amongst the Akan tribe most especially to serve their visitors with Fufu as a way of welcoming their visitors. Other tribes also serve their respective dishes to welcome their guest.
– In Nigeria, the dish Ofe Owerri – an Igo dish is a symbol of unity and cooperation. They also like to serve ” kola nuts” to guests or visitors to welcome them.
– In Japan, the art of sushi-making is not just about preparing a meal, but also about respecting tradition and nature.
– In India, the diverse use of spices reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and regional variations.
Redefined Tourism: Benefits of Culinary Travel
Culinary travel offers numerous benefits for both travellers and local communities:
Cultural Exchange: Culinary travel facilitates cultural exchange, allowing travellers to engage with local chefs, food producers, and artisans.
Economic Growth: Food tourism generates revenue for local businesses, supporting small-scale farmers, food producers, and restaurants.
Authenticity: Culinary travel provides an authentic experience, allowing travellers to connect with the local way of life.
Sustainability: Food tourism promotes sustainable tourism practices, supports local food systems, and reduces carbon footprint.
Destination Spotlight: Ghana
Ghana, a West African country, offers a vibrant culinary scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage. From traditional dishes like jollof rice and fufu to modern fusion cuisine, Ghanaian food is a testament to the country’s history and diversity.
« Accra Food Festival: A celebration of Ghanaian cuisine, featuring local chefs, food producers, and artisans. Some include the ‘ Gbob3 ‘ festival, and other food fairs mostly organized to display the rich traditional Ghanaian dishes.
« Cooking Classes: Learn traditional Ghanaian cooking techniques and recipes from local chefs.
« Market Tours: Explore Accra’s bustling markets, discovering local ingredients and spices like the popular “Makola market”, the” Alogboshe market, “the ” Adabraka market” the “Malata market”, the”Nima market” and many more.
How Food Tourism is Linking Ghana and Nigeria.
Did you know there is a variety of food that is almost the same as Ghanaian cuisine and Nigerian cuisine?
Yes, there are a lot of meals that are eaten in Nigeria and also eaten in Ghana but there are just a few differences.
In Ghana, one of the favourite dishes eaten is ” Konkonte”, which is prepared from dried-milled cassava( cassava flour). Also in Nigeria, one of their most eaten dishes is “Amala”, also prepared from a dried-milled yam (yam flour). These two dishes are prepared using the same routine. The difference is the type of flour used.
– Won’t it interest you to try “Amala” as a Ghanaian? Or try “Konkonte” as a Nigerian?
And the popular ” Ghana Jollof and Nigeria Jollof”. Over time, this ” Ghana Jollof and Nigeria Jollof battle” became very interesting even to other travellers. Travellers would want to know what everyone seems to say about these two dishes that are prepared the same. This brought the Nigerians to Ghana to just try their hands on these dishes.
The popular Ghanaian soup ” Palmnut soup” is eaten widely across Ghana and the popular “Banga soup” is taken by the Nigerians. The two soups are prepared using the fruit of a palm tree as the main ingredient. The taste might vary per the other ingredients used.
– As a Ghanaian, would you want to try ” Banga soup”? Or as a Nigerian, wouldn’t you like to try another kind of ” Banga soup” from Ghana?
Did you know ” Akara” eaten in Nigeria as a snack is the same as the Ghanaian ” Koose” also eaten as a snack? These two snack dishes are prepared using beans mixed with spices and fried.
These are just a few to mention, but there are a lot more that are soon to be uncovered.
Did you know we can promote Tourism in diverse ways? One of the best on the trend is Food Tourism. Culinary travel has the power to redefine tourism, offering a more immersive and authentic experience for travellers.
By exploring the rich culinary heritage of a destination, travellers can gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and history. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, culinary travel will play a significant role in shaping the future of travel.
Immerse yourself in local cuisine and cooking techniques. Explore beyond traditional tourist areas, discovering hidden gems and authentic culinary experiences.
Embark on a culinary journey and discover the rich cultural heritage of a destination. Savour the flavours, traditions, and stories that make travel truly unforgettable. And help promote and redefine Tourism.