David Songulashvili Meets with Spanish Gastronomy Leaders to Strengthen Georgia’s Culinary Tourism Potential
David Songulashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, met with Benjamin Lana, General Director of the renowned Spanish gastronomic company Vocento Gastronomía, and Luis Marti, the company’s Commercial Director, to discuss collaboration in the field of gastronomy and food tourism.
The meeting was also attended by Maia Omiadze, Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration.
Minister Songulashvili emphasized the strategic importance of developing Georgia’s gastronomic sector, noting its strong connection to the promotion of local products, the growth of agricultural production, and particularly the advancement of the wine industry.
He highlighted an upcoming initiative in Gurjaani Municipality, Kakheti Region, where, with support from the Basque Culinary Center, a gastronomic academy is planned. The involvement and expertise of Vocento Gastronomía will play a valuable role in shaping the academy’s success.
“Georgia has immense potential in the field of gastronomy. Georgian cuisine possesses unique characteristics that cannot be found elsewhere in the world,” said Benjamin Lana, underlining the country’s distinctive culinary identity.
At the meeting, Maia Omiadze noted that a strategic document is currently being developed to support the growth of gastronomic tourism in Georgia, with the aim of transforming the country into a leading culinary destination.
The discussion also included plans for Georgia’s participation in major international gastronomic events, organized by Vocento Gastronomía, such as Madrid Fusión, San Sebastián Gastronomika, Encuentro de los Mares, and Worldcanic—some of the most influential culinary events in the world.
Also present at the meeting was Nino Kiltava, founder of the Georgian restaurant “Nunuka” in Spain, who is actively involved in promoting Georgian cuisine abroad.
