UNESCO named Thessaloniki the City of Gastronomy. It is the first Greek city to receive this title and is part of the Creative Cities Network.
On November 8, UNESCO introduced new members “creative cities networks“Created in 2004, it aims to foster collaboration between cities that have identified creativity as a key factor in their sustainable development.
Because the term “creativity” is extremely broad, UNESCO has identified seven main areas: Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music.
The first Greek city of gastronomy
In a press release, the Municipality of Thessaloniki is proud to announce that it has become the first Greek city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for gastronomy. In other words, UNESCO has recognized, among others, the traditional culinary traditions of Thessaloniki, a vibrant gastronomic community and local cuisine.
To obtain the status of a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you must first apply. Commenting on its statement, the municipality said that it has carefully prepared and submitted a complete file covering its history, age-old gastronomic traditions, creativity and the work of the scientific and research community.
Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Zervas, delighted with a new title, noted: “Gastronomy is, after all, a key comparative advantage of Thessaloniki. Our city is a crossroads of tastes and cultures, now it is marked with the UNESCO seal. Good local cuisine is the basis of the gastronomic offer. “
Tourism development
Discussing the benefits of the new name, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism Maria Karajanni explained that the designation of Thessaloniki as a city of gastronomy would put culture, creativity and gastronomy at the center of tourism development. Moreover, it will support the social, creative and economic potential of the entire region.
In addition, it is important to note that the UNESCO Creative Cities Network promotes the exchange of experience, know-how and resources. Thus, Thessaloniki will have the opportunity to cooperate with other member cities to further develop and increase its attractiveness.
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