Gastronomy is foundational to Kelowna’s economy, attracting over 2 million visitors each year and generating $1.17 billion in tourism revenue. The city is home to more than 500 restaurants, contributing $394 million annually. Local agriculture occupies over half of Kelowna’s land, adds $3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.
Kelowna’s application for the UNESCO designation in early 2025 was a collaborative effort supported by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan College, with input from a wide range of industry professionals and community members, including growers, producers, chefs, business owners, not-for-profit organizations and technology companies.
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 2025, over 400 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.
Kelowna's Unique Opportunity
As Canada’s first and only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kelowna can anticipate new opportunities related to:
- 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 Preservation: The status helps preserve and promote traditional syilx culinary practices and ingredients, and Indigenous foods and food practices.
- Cultural Exchange: Partnerships with other UNESCO Creative Cities will foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing between Kelowna and communities around the world.
- Sustainable Development: The designation aligns with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting a resilient food system and economy.
- Community Pride: It generates a shared sense of gastronomic identity around food, wine, craft beverages, festivals, events, and markets.
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.
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