Cap Bon Becomes First African Region to Join World Region of Gastronomy Platform
In a landmark development for the African and MENA regions, Cap Bon (Tunisia) has been officially welcomed as a candidate for the World Region of Gastronomy 2028 Award. The announcement will be formally confirmed during IGCAT's 12th Annual General Meeting and 36th Advisory Forum, held on 18 June 2025, marking a significant milestone for the region and the Platform.
Cap Bon becomes the first African region and the second from the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region to join the World Region of Gastronomy Platform, reinforcing IGCAT's global commitment to diversity, cultural richness, and inclusive development through gastronomy.
"We are incredibly honoured to welcome Cap Bon as the first African region and a powerful representative of the MENA region to the World Region of Gastronomy Platform. Cap Bon's unique culinary traditions, rich agricultural landscape, and dynamic cultural heritage make it an inspiring candidate. This step signals a strong commitment to cultural resilience and regional pride," stated Dr. Diane Dodd.
“The Cap Bon welcomed my Sicilian ancestors at the beginning of the last century, offering them some of the hardest yet most joyful years of their lives. Now, after a decade of living in the heart of this region, I feel it is my turn to give back—to honor the land, culture, and cuisine that shaped my mother’s childhood. I am proud to have initiated the Cap Bon’s candidacy as a World Region of Gastronomy and deeply encouraged to see public and private sectors joining forces. hand in hand, to make the Cap Bon shine on the international stage,” declared Mrs. Lamia Temimi, Co-founder of Sawa Taste of Tunisia
— Mme Lamia Temimi, cofondatrice de Sawa Taste of Tunisia
As a candidate, Cap Bon looks forward to collaborating with other awarded and candidate regions from across the globe to promote sustainable food practices, strengthen local economies, and preserve culinary identities through innovation, education, and responsible tourism.
“The Regional Tourism Authority of Nabeul-Hammamet is deeply honored by its participation and the official signing of the candidacy protocol for Cap Bon as a World Region of Gastronomy 2028, especially since the Governorate of Nabeul offers a unique blend of cultural tourism, seaside experiences, crafts, and a rich gastronomy—making it one of Tunisia’s most attractive destinations”, added Mr. Wahid Ben Fraj, Regional Commissioner for Tourism in Nabeul-Hammamet.
— M. Wahid Ben Fraj, Commissaire régional au tourisme de Nabeul-Hammamet
And the President of the ATPNE (Association Tunisienne de la Protection de la Nature et de l’Environement) Mrs. Imen Rabah to carry on: “This partnership celebrates the unique culinary traditions, rich agricultural landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage of Korba and the entire peninsula. This recognition marks our commitment to cultural resilience and the promotion of our regional heritage.”
— Mme Imen Rabah, présidente de l’ATPNE (Association tunisienne de la protection de la nature et de l’environnement)
This candidacy marks a bold vision for the future of the region, offering a platform to highlight Cap Bon's rich biodiversity, traditional foodways, and intercultural dialogue, positioning it as a trailblazer in Africa for sustainable gastronomic development.
About
Sawa Taste of Tunisia
Sawa Taste of Tunisia is a social enterprise that showcases Tunisia’s rich culinary and cultural heritage through immersive food experiences. Co-founded by Lamia Temimi and Jamie Furniss, Sawa connects travelers with local communities via cooking classes, food tours, and farm visits, while promoting sustainability, cultural exchange, and women’s empowerment. Through these taste-driven journeys, Sawa preserves ancestral knowledge and supports local artisans and producers across Tunisia.
ONTT – Office national du tourisme tunisien
The National Office of Tunisian Tourism (ONTT) is a public administrative institution in Tunisia, endowed with legal personality and financial autonomy. It operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism. ONTT plays a key role in the tourism sector in Tunisia. Its core mission is to implement the state's tourism strategy, develop, regulate, and oversee tourism activities, ensure training in hospitality and tourism, and promote and market the "Tunisia" brand both nationally and internationally.
Institut de Formation aux Métiers du Tourisme – Nabeul (IFMT-Nabeul)
Established in 1976, IFMT-Nabeul is a leading public institute for tourism and hospitality training in Tunisia. We offer vocational programs in pastry, culinary arts, restaurant and bar service, and housekeeping, with three qualification levels: Certificate of Professional Aptitude, Professional Technician, and Higher Technician. Committed to gender equality and skills development, we partner with local hotels and hospitality projects to provide hands-on experience. Students also learn French, English, and German to enhance communication and employability.
ATPNE – Association tunisienne de la protection de la nature et de l’environnement (Korba)
ATPNE Korba is a local association, founded in 1992 and operating independently since 2012, committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. Our vision is a healthy and balanced environment preserved for future generations through civic action that integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
