Inclusive economic participation
Opening the food economy to township, rural and women-led enterprises so that tourism spend reaches the people who grow, cook and serve.
International Conference · Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Gastronomy Value Chain for Tourism and Economic Development
Leveraging Gastronomy Value Chains for Inclusive Tourism Growth and Economic Development
- Dates
- 12 – 14 May 2027
- Venue
- Durban International Convention Centre
- Delegates
- ~300 delegates
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Hosted by
Graduate Centre for Management (GCM)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Community Tourism Organisation (CTO)
In partnership with
National Department of Tourism
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority
South African National Convention Bureau
Why this conference
Food is where tourism spend meets local livelihoods
South Africa's culinary heritage is a powerful draw for visitors, yet much of the value created by food tourism still leaves the communities that produce it. Over three days in Durban, 300 delegates — policymakers, destination managers, academics, chefs, tourism SMMEs, community enterprises and international observers — will work through the practical mechanics of building inclusive gastronomy value chains.
Value-chain integration
Linking smallholder producers, processors, distributors, chefs and hospitality buyers into reliable, traceable local supply chains.
Destination branding through food heritage
Positioning indigenous cuisine, culinary routes and living food traditions as a distinctive competitive asset for South African destinations.
Policy coherence
Aligning tourism, agriculture, small-business and municipal policy so that gastronomy development is funded, regulated and measured consistently.
Business events as catalysts
Using conferences, expos and food festivals to build demand, transfer skills and leave measurable legacy value in host communities.
Be first in line for delegate places
Registration and ticketing open closer to the conference. Leave your details now and we will contact you as soon as places and delegate rates are confirmed.