Aseer Granted the Title of “World Region of Gastronomy 2024”

Following the evaluation of the nomination file titled “Welcome A Thousand – Aseer, the Land of a Thousand Welcomes,” submitted on 31 December 2021, a delegation of international IGCAT experts visited the region from 27 February to 1 March 2022 to meet local stakeholders and assess Aseer’s readiness to hold the title.

The jury was very impressed with the region’s efforts to support local cultural and food diversity, ensure regional biodiversity and environmental protection, preserve heritage and traditional knowledge, as well as to empower the younger generations to create innovative products and services to attract sustainable tourism.

Accordingly, the committee recommended granting Aseer the title and proceeding to the next stage of the nomination, which included submitting a detailed action plan covering projects, events, and development proposals during and beyond the title year to ensure sustainability of impact. After IGCAT confirmed that the action plan met the jury’s recommendations and presented an integrated roadmap for regional development, the Board of Directors officially voted to grant Aseer the title.

The jury committee stated: “The spirit of hospitality among the local community and their genuine desire to showcase their culture and local cuisine were a source of inspiration for the committee. The sun of the Middle East rises from Aseer, as it moves confidently toward a circular and creative economy while preserving its roots.”

It added: “Everyone we met—chefs, farmers, producers, young entrepreneurs, and guides—demonstrated pride and love for their regional heritage, enthusiasm for their work and their country. We are confident that Aseer will be a role model as the World Region of Gastronomy for 2024.”

Stakeholders in the region expressed their hope that this nomination would highlight Aseer’s cultural, culinary, and tourism diversity, and serve as a platform for building an integrated ecosystem among different sectors to achieve sustainable tourism and environmental protection. The title will be officially awarded by the President of IGCAT, Dr. Diane Dodd, during a ceremony to be held on 24 September 2022 as part of the “Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto” event in Turin.

The nomination file and program for the title “World Region of Gastronomy 2024” were prepared through a joint multi-sector alliance that included partners from the public, private, non-profit sectors, and universities. Founding entities included the Culinary Arts Commission, the Heritage Commission, the Saudi Society for the Preservation of Heritage, the Aseer Region Development Authority, Bunyan, the Saudi Tourism Authority, Abha Chamber, Soudah Development Company, King Khalid University, Faseel, and Qoot.