27 June 2024 – Around 330 events have already been announced for this summer in Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024 to celebrate the local unique food and culture. Whether it is fine dining you are looking for or traditional food, markets or food tours, tea tastings or sauna experiences, foraging or cooking workshops, festivals or food exhibitions… Saimaa region offers all the activities food lovers could dream of and many more!
A full calendar of events is available on the Taste Saimaa website inviting visitors to experience the purity and uniqueness of the Finnish Lakeland with all their senses. By merging local cultural heritage, arts and food, these events allow to explore Saimaa region in an unprecedented way, making it a top international destination.
But summer is just the tip of the iceberg, as Saimaa is preparing an equally mouthwatering fall and winter season! As part of their title year programme, the region is collecting pilot proposals from local stakeholders in its three provinces (South Savo, South Karelia and North Karelia) to implement new partnerships and create new services and products that combine food tourism and culture, for visitors to live the magical atmosphere of Saimaa in the colder months.
As the icing on the cake, Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024 has recently launched an online portal offering unique, all-year-round experiences from the Taste Saimaa Partners. The experiences are especially related to local food, drinks, culture, routes and natural sites, allowing to plan one’s own delicious trip to the region.
All Taste Saimaa partners are also collected in the Gems of Eastern Finland interactive map where they are sorted according to different categories: restaurants, activities, producers, accommodation facilities, shops, and experiences. The map provides short descriptions of each partner and direct links to their websites, as well as highlights further local attractions, routes, and unique natural and cultural sites.
About the European/World Regions of Gastronomy
Candidate and awarded World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; drive environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; support balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlight and support expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practises; and contribute to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.