Kelowna is a world-class city to eat and drink.
It's a culinary and wine destination.
It's chock full of exceptional orchards and farms growing fruit, vegetables, poultry and meat; vineyards and wineries producing quality wines; and chefs and restaurants serving it all up -- both fancy and casual.
In fact, food and wine is one of Kelowna's four tourism cornerstones along with lakes-beaches-watersports-
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All this caught the attention of the United Nations and today it was announced that Kelowna has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Kelowna is the first city in Canada to snag this prestigious status, joining an incredible worldwide collection of cities of gastronomy ranging from New World hotspots such as Merida, Mexico, Tucson, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas to Old World beauties such as Parma, Italy (the home of Parmesan cheese), Thessaloniki, Greece and Rouen, France.
Speaking of France, 'gastronomy' is the term the culinary-inclined French like to describe the art and knowledge involved in growing, choosing, cooking and eating good food and the relationship between food and culture.
“Kelowna is honoured to be the first city in Canada designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy,” said Mayor Tom Dyas.
“This recognition confirms what those in the Okanagan Valley have known for decades — Kelowna is a world-class centre for agriculture, culinary arts, and beverages. These industries boost our vibrant local scene, strengthen our economy, and inspire others across the country. It is yet another reason for visitors to come to Kelowna, experience all our region has to offer, and sample the flavours of the Okanagan Valley for themselves.”
The City of Kelowna, Tourism Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and Okanagan College jointly bid on for the 'city of gastronomy' title after the Canadian Commission of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization) nominated Kelowna.
The Canadian commission can nominate two cities every two years in the UN's six creative cities categories of folk art, design, film, gastronomy, media arts and music.
While Kelowna is the Canada's first 'city of gastronomy' there are four other Canadian UNESCO Creative Cities -- London for music, Quebec City for literature, Montreal for design and Toronto for media arts.
Everything the UN does has clout.
As a result, Kelowna's 'city of gastronomy' naming is expected to shine a global spotlight on Kelowna, boosting awareness, reputation, tourism, economic and cultural growth and community pride.
Gastronomy is already integral to Kelowna’s economy, attracting over 2 million visitors each year and generating $1.17 billion in tourism revenue.
The city is peppered with more than 500 restaurants, contributing $394 million annually.
Agriculture occupies over half of Kelowna’s land, adds $3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.
"We enthusiastically welcome Kelowna into the network, where they will collaborate with their fellow UNESCO Creative Cities both in Canada and internationally,” said David Schimpky, director of secretariat for Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
"We anticipate this recognition will elevate current initiatives and further ignite collaborative action."
Over the coming months, Kelowna will establish a working committee to support the implementation of the designation and the development of a multi-year action plan.
This group will include representatives from local private, public and non-profit organizations associated with gastronomy and food production.
