Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism has chosen Ubud to be Indonesia's first UNWTO's Global Gastronomy Destination. According to local newswires the assessment process to receive official certification for this prestigious recognition is likely to last for a year.

Several criteria are used by the Ministry of Tourism to showcase Ubud's culinary potential including lifestyle and cultural implications, the use of local produce and nutrition and health factors.

According to Kompas, Ubud was first proposed as a Global Gastronomy Destination while Mari Pangestu was Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy from 2011 to 2014.

Head of Indonesia's Tourism Ministry's team on the accelerated development of culinary tourism destinations, Vita Datau Messakh, is quoted by Tempo as saying “the program done by the Tourism Ministry and UNWTO is entering the stage of an assessment visit at the destination."

Why a world Gastronomy Destination?

UNWTO's Gastronomy Network explains that "gastronomy tourism has emerged as particularly important, not only because food and drink is central to any tourist experience, but also because the concept of gastronomy tourism has evolved to encompass cultural practices, local history, values and culture heritage. Today, gastronomy tourism is therefore considered as an indispensable resource for tourism destinations, adding value and providing a solution to an increasingly pressing need for destinations to stand out and offer unique products."

A colourful selection of local Indonesian spices at the Ubud Food Festival 2019. Image by Anggara Mahendra courtesy of UFF19.

The assessment process

There are three stages to the UNWTO assessment process. In a recent report published by Tempo, Ubud must first be mapped in terms of the culinary industry's preparedness, then undergo a verification process and analysis. The report suggests this will include interviews with "gastronomy stakeholders, hotels, restaurants, cooks, food festival initiators, local administration, academics, transportation service providers and tourists."

The final stage, which is scheduled to take place in August this year, is "preparing an official recommendation from stakeholders" based on the results and feedback of the interviews.

If the assessment is smooth and the results positive, Ubud should receive its title as a Global Gastronomy Destination in 2020.

Bali as a 'Foodie Destination'

Bali's tourism industry has been undergoing a significant shift in recent years with food and health being key drivers. Gapura Bali recently interviewed Sean and Mee Gray who are the entrepreneurs behind a Korean inspired locally driven restaurant in Ubud who believe "Bali is a real foodie destination these days … people are really trying to source their food from quality suppliers and provide something with flavour and flare."

A busy kitchen at Spice by Chris Salens at the Ubud Food Festival 2019. Image by Wirasathya Darmaja courtesy of UFF19.

Radar Bali confirms this development, suggesting the culinary industry in Gianyar, the Regency where Ubud is located, is thriving. According to Radar Bali's reporting, the Gianyar Regency's Regional Tourism Office has seen a growing interest in both foreign and domestic tourists coming to experience the area's eclectic dining options as well as to learn how to cook in local styles. Something events such as The Ubud Food Festival (UFF), help to support and promote.

Held every year since 2014, this year's UFF hosted more than 100-chefs, food writers, entrepreneurs, scientists and activists from around the world this year with the mission to bring Indonesian cuisine, art and culture to the world. This year's three-day festival attracted more than 15,000 visitors.

Sources: The Jakarta Post, The Star, Kompas, Antara News, Tempo, Jawa Pos, Radar Bali, Gatra

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