Editor’s message | 10.01.2025
Only a year with Authenticity & Sustainability
can be a “Happy Year”
As we step into the new year, we reaffirm our commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable experiences for our valued friends and partners in the Gastrotourism community. Greece, with its rich culinary heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, offers an unparalleled canvas for immersive journeys of the kind.
As most people know by now, Greek cuisine has been voted the Best Cuisine in the World for 2024 by TasteAtlas users, and Greece itself has been recognized in the 2024 USNews surveys as the Most Beautiful and Scenic country, the top destination with the Best Heritage, and the country with the Most Pleasant Climate, among others. In addition, the Mediterranean Diet, rooted in Greece, has also been ranked as the number one Diet globally. With such a legacy, sustainable food is in the heart of our mission: by sourcing ingredients locally, supporting small farming, and showcasing traditional Greek recipes, we help reduce carbon footprints, support local producers and foster a deeper connection between travelers and the destinations they explore. We are fortunate that Greek Cuisine is a sustainable cuisine inherently.
The climate crisis and recent natural disasters have underscored the urgent need for sustainable practices in every aspect of our lives, including tourism. By working closely with our partner hotels, local producers and activity providers, we aim to craft experiences that not only delight the senses but also honor the environment and local communities. Gastrotourism (or Food or Culinary Tourism), a journey through the flavors and the production places of Greece, can be a powerful tool for creating sustainable destinations. Beyond its culinary accolades, Greece has been highly ranked in Adventure, Great Food, Fun and Best Place for Tourism overall, highlight the diverse experiences Greece offers, from exhilarating activities to unforgettable meals and vibrant culture.
To make relevant choices easier, “Greek.food.tour“, our sustainable Gastrotourism Mark, with the support of Greek hospitality community, was introduced earlier in 2024, supporting Authenticity in (local) food offered in Greek Hospitality, and the involvement of small local producers in hotels and restaurants.
In fact, in Greece each meal becomes a story – a celebration of nature, culture, and mindful consumption. This is the foundation of our new initiative to establish a dedicated Center for developing “Culinary Interpretation“. This innovative approach will focus on storytelling for food tourism activities, blending Greece’s rich culinary heritage with engaging narratives that deepen the visitor’s connection to the land, its traditions, and its people. The Center, called “Culinary Heritage Interpretation Hub” (CHIH), aims to bring together all communities in Greece and beyond that are interested to share local culinary heritage with foreigners. By crafting compelling stories around local ingredients, recipes, and dining experiences, this initiative will transform every meal into an unforgettable journey, inspiring travelers to embrace sustainable and authentic gastronomy.
To further this vision, we are forging connections with top Greek restaurants worldwide; they will serve as ambassadors of our efforts, connecting global audience with the ethos of mindful exploration in Greece, while offering a taste of sustainable Greek gastronomy and experiences. Through these partnerships, we aim to inspire travelers to discover the authentic and sustainable culinary options our country offers.
To implement this new integrated strategy, which includes managing the Greek.food.tour Mark, coordinating the Culinary Interpretation Initiative and promoting food experiences across Greece, we have partnered with professionals in the tourism, food and agricultural sectors. Together, we have established “AuthenTouR”, a unique NGO dedicated to fostering sustainable destination development through tourism and regenerative food production.
We invite you to join us in this journey of mindful exploration. Together, let us celebrate Greece’s treasures, while ensuring they remain vibrant for generations to come. Let’s make 2025 a year of creativity, taste, discovery, and sustainability.
The teams of
Authentic Greece and AuthenTouR
