A message from our President
Letter from the President
The Global Gastronomy Tourism Organization (GGTO) was founded with a clear vision: to place gastronomy at the heart of tourism — connecting destinations, producing territories, businesses, institutions, professionals and communities around a shared purpose: to develop gastronomy tourism that is responsible, sustainable, transformative and rewarding.
We understand gastronomy as a strategic asset far greater than a simple product; it is territory, culture, heritage, nature, knowledge, tradition and identity. Through it, visitors discover where food comes from, meet its producers and artisans, understand how it is made, and live authentic experiences that connect them deeply with the landscapes and the people behind every product.
To achieve this, GGTO is built as an international framework for cooperation and coordination that supports the structuring, promotion and internationalization of territories. Our purpose is to turn gastronomic and cultural resources into tourism assets capable of earning international recognition while, at the same time, generating real opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and local development.
Our value proposition is organized around a Strategic Plan built on five key pillars: training, through GGTO Academy and its educational programs; promotion, through GGTO MICE, for the organization of events; international recognition — for destinations and establishments committed to Responsible Gastronomy Tourism through the GGTO–Biosphere Certificate, and for professionals through their inclusion in the GGTO–WHO is WHO in Gastronomy Tourism directory; international commercialization of experiences on the GGTO–ETC. booking platform; and data, through the GGTO Monitor, producing indicators that track the sector’s evolution.
The ‘WHO is WHO in Gastronomy Tourism’ directory — designed to connect talent, knowledge and opportunity — is the home of GGTO’s Collaborating Members. It brings together destinations, producers, chefs, managers, researchers, journalists and experts, building a large global community that fosters professional alliances and greater international visibility for everyone across the value chain.
Our commitment goes far beyond tourism promotion. We want to contribute actively to preserving traditions, ecosystems and gastronomic culture, ensuring a balanced model where visitors enjoy memorable experiences and local residents and communities are the true beneficiaries of this activity.
From GGTO, we invite every professional, business and institution in the sector to become part of this great international community. Together we will build a world map of gastronomic destinations recognized for their authenticity and their capacity to generate a positive impact.
Gastronomy unites us.
Territories inspire us.
Tourism lets us share them with the world.
José Antonio VidalPresident · GGTO | OMTG