World Food Travel Day: Celebrating Culinary Heritage and Regional Food Identity

What is World Food Travel Day?

World Food Travel Day is an annual celebration that highlights the strong link between food and cultural identity. This special day raises awareness of food tourism and gives visibility to local food cultures. It encourages residents and tourists to explore the region's unique food heritage and promotes the appreciation of traditional dishes and local food practices. You don't always have to travel far; you can also get a deeper insight into food culture in your local area.

The Importance of Food in Regional Identity

Food is much more than mere sustenance; it reflects history, traditions, and values. Every region has its own unique culinary practices shaped by geography, climate, and cultural influences. From Italian pasta to Japanese sushi, or Mexican mole to French pastries - food serves as an edible representation of a community's identity. By preserving traditional recipes, ingredients, and preparation techniques, regions keep their cultural heritage alive while also sharing it with the world.

Kainuu rönttönen (phote: Julia Kivelä)

In Europe, The EU geographical indications (GI) system has been developed to protect food products that are closely linked to local food culture, guaranteeing the origin and quality of traditional or regional products. Among Finnish products, for example, Karelian pies and Kainuu rönttönen have been granted name protection. Regional labels of origin, such as D.O. Saimaa, reinforce the uniqueness of local raw materials and food products.

How Food Tourism Supports Culinary Heritage

Food tourism plays a vital role in preserving and promoting a region's culinary heritage. When travelers seek out authentic food experiences, they contribute to local economies, helping small-scale farmers, artisans, and family-owned restaurants thrive. Food tourism also fosters cultural exchange by introducing visitors to indigenous ingredients, cooking styles, and food-related traditions. 

In Finland, value-based culinary networks such as Karelia à la carte bring together local restaurants, producers and tourism operators to foster regional food traditions. Such networks ensure that traditional recipes and cooking methods are passed down from generation to generation, while attracting tourists to authentic taste experiences.

By participating in food and beverage themed tours, attending local cooking classes, or dining at traditional restaurants, tourists support sustainable food systems and encourage communities to take pride in their gastronomic heritage. This form of tourism also promotes eco-friendly practices by emphasizing farm-to-table dining and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Why We Should Celebrate Food Travel Every Day

While World Food Travel Day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of culinary heritage, food appreciation should extend beyond just one day. Every meal presents an opportunity to explore and honor a region’s food culture. Supporting local entrepreneurs, trying new cuisines, and engaging with food traditions enriches our daily lives and fosters deeper connections with different cultures.

By making food tourism a regular practice, we cultivate a greater understanding of the global culinary landscape. It inspires us to embrace diverse flavors, respect traditional cooking methods, and acknowledge the cultural significance of food. Whether through travel or at home, celebrating food tourism daily benefits both local communities and food lovers alike, creating a more inclusive and flavorful world. So, the next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment to appreciate the story behind the dish and the culture it represents. After all, food is one of the most delicious ways to learn and understand local culture and way of life!

How to participate?

Join the celebrations on Friday 18 April by sharing flavour memories from your travels through photos, videos, stories or recipes on various channels. Use the hashtag #WorldFoodTravelDay. For more information, visit https://www.worldfoodtravel.org/world-food-travel-day 

Anna Rinteinen

Tourism Specialist, RWAC of Eastern Finland
Visit Finland Academy Coach
World Food Travel Association Ambassador
Culinary Heritage Certification Inspector