Kelowna Bids to Become a City of Gastronomy 

Kelowna’s outstanding food and beverage culture and vibrant culinary scene could soon be part of a network of cities around the world celebrated for creativity and innovation.

The City of Kelowna, in partnership with Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan College, has accepted an invitation to apply for designation as Canada's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) established the Creative Cities Network in 2004, to celebrate the impact and importance of culture around the world. As of 2024, over 350 cities around the world participate in this network. Cities can be designated in seven creative fields: Craft & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

Every two years, cities worldwide are invited to apply to the Creative Cities Network. In Canada, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO is responsible for nominating up to two cities for consideration. Kelowna has proudly been chosen as one of Canada’s nominees and has been invited to pursue the prestigious designation of a City of Gastronomy in 2025.


Kelowna's Unique Opportunity

Kelowna would become Canada's first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Potential outcomes of the designation could bring:

  • Enhanced Global Recognition: The designation will attract national and international media attention, inspiring new culinary festivals and development projects.
  • Economic Growth: It will serve as a quality-of-life talking point for recruiting businesses and talented professionals.
  • Cultural Exchange: Partnerships with other UNESCO Creative Cities will foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Sustainable Development: The designation aligns with UNESCO's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a resilient food system and economy.
  • Community Pride: It will instill a shared sense of gastronomic identity around food, wine, craft beverages, festivals, events, and markets.
  • Cultural Preservation: The status helps preserve and promote traditional culinary practices and ingredients, fostering a unique cultural identity.


What does this Designation Mean? 

  • Recognition & celebration of what already exists in Kelowna.
  • A strong connection to the land. Growing, cultivating, and preparing. 
  • A year-round tourism economy based on food, craft beverages, wine, and agritourism.
  • Opportunity to showcase syilx Indigenous foods and the region's evolving culinary scene.
  • Commitment to strong community initiatives that use food to bring people together.

This designation represents a transformative opportunity for Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley, cementing our place on the world stage as a culinary destination.


Timeline

The application to the Creative Cities Network will be submitted at the end of February 2025, and UNESCO will announce new designations later in the year.


Want to Learn More? 

RSVP to the upcoming event on January 29, 2025, to learn about Kelowna's application to become a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and how you can engage with and support this application.


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Here's a little taste of Kelowna from locals and visitors. Where farms, orchards, vineyards, and innovative kitchens come together to create a chef's playground and a foodie’s paradise. Use #exploreKelowna while you sip, savour, and taste your way through Kelowna.