UN Tourism wants to promote Africa as a gourmet destination

Many people in Africa eat just to survive, but UN Tourism wants us to focus on the continent as a gourmet destination. 

The junket kings from this organisation often post media releases full of politically correct posturing, but lacking in serious content. 

UN Tourism has just completed its inaugural Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa - in that hotbed of gourmet delights: Zimbabwe.

The organisation described the forum as "marking a significant step forward for both the continent and the host nation". 

But wait, There's more. "The forum also highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to leveraging gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development across the country and Africa."

The forum brought together around 200 junketeers (sorry, delegates) from 33 countries, including 11 ministers and deputy ministers, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

"It is only right we now meet in one of the world’s most exciting gastronomy regions - Africa," said UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili, his tongue firmly in cheek. 

The national dish of Zimbabwe is sadza (top image), a blend of white cornmeal and water that has a stiff porridge consistency.  It is most unlikely to have gastronomes in raptures.

The World Food Programme reports that an estimated 6 million people in Zimbabwe are expected to be food insecure during 2024-2025 lean season.

Would it be unfair to suggest that be addressed first?

But no. 

"We leave Victoria Falls with a roadmap that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we do work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet.”

Participants discussed the need for effective funding and the significance of combining tradition, innovation, and quality to create unique food tourism experiences. Bizarre, to say the least. 

Meliá International hotel group goes even more global

Melia Hotels International, Spain's fast-growing international hotel group, has announced further ambitious global expansion of its luxury brands.

From Europe and Africa to Central America, Meliá is expanding its Iberian-accented empire.

In 2023, Meliá added to its portfolio of hotels in Tanzania with the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection (above) - a design-led lodge in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

It also celebrated the Paradisus by Meliá brand landing in Europe with openings in Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

Continuing a commitment to growth of its luxury portfolio, Meliá is preparing to open the doors to some of its most ambitious and luxurious hotels yet: Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá in Milan (below), ME by Meliá properties in Lisbon and Malta, and ZEL, a new lifestyle brand and joint venture with tennis legend, Rafael Nadal.



Gran Meliá will also continue its expansion into Europe and south-east Asia with new hotels in Albania, Spain, Italy, and Vietnam.

The highly anticipated Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá will open its doors later this month.

Palazzo Cordusio will occupy the restored 19th-Century Palazzo Venezia, one of the city’s most iconic Renaissance buildings and formerly the headquarters of Assicurazioni Generali, close to the Piazza del Duomo and Castello Sforzesco.

The hotel will house a patisserie, bistro, cocktail bar, and a stylish rooftop bar and terrace with spectacular Duomo views.

The luxury brand has also increased its presence in Spain with Torre Melina, A Gran Meliá Hotel. The exclusive urban resort is in the heart of Barcelona and is a revamp of the former Rey Juan Carlos Hotel.

The brand also entered south-east Asia with its first opening in Vietnam: Gran Meliá Nha Trang.

André Gerondeau, Chief Operating Officer of Meliá Hotels International, said: ‘It’s an exciting time for Meliá as we embark on an ambitious expansion of our prestigious portfolio of luxury hotels, solidifying our global presence.

"The grand opening of Palazzo Cordusio, our first Gran Meliá property in Milan and restoration of one of the city’s most beautiful and historic buildings, as well as the opening of Ngorongoro Lodge, A Meliá Collection in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, reinforce our preeminent position within the luxury sector.

"With great anticipation, we set our sights on the year ahead, as we extend our signature Spanish hospitality to discerning travellers around the world."

See www.meliahotelsinternational.com

The ultimate African wildlife safari - by hot air balloon

Here's a trip that sounds well worth adding to your bucket list.

How about a balloon safari looking at African wildlife - from cheetahs to zebras - from above?

Aardvark Safaris has just announced a unique balloon safari crossing the Serengeti National Park.

In partnership with Serengeti Balloon Safaris and Wayo Africa Fly Camps, the six-day African safari adventure will take to the skies each day to traverse the Serengeti, Travel Mole reports.

The inaugural launch date is November 1-7.

Having taken balloon flights in South Africa and India, I can confirm there is no better way to observe wildlife - the animals are simply not concerned by balloons flying above them.

Starting and ending in Arusha, Tanzania, the new safari includes four nights fly-camping in cocoon tents (above).

Each morning, guests will be flown by hot air balloon to a brand-new wilderness spot - although it is not clear what happens if there is no wind.

Guests can then explore with fully escorted walking safaris and traditional wildlife drives.

Highlights will include flying high above the Serengeti as well as close-up wildlife encounters while flying at grass level.

Balloons will also land on the eastern shores of Lake Victoria.

Serengeti Balloon Safaris is the oldest hot air balloon safari company in Tanzania. It has flown over 250,000 guests in its 30+ years of operating.

The experience is bookable through Aardvark Safaris - but be warned. It does not come cheap.