Catalonia invests in promoting its culinary heritage

Catalonia is gearing up to be World Region of Gastronomy in 2025. It’s a distinction awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT).

Speaking to TTG at WTM this week, Arantxa Calvero, director of the Catalan Tourist Board, said the recognition would help explain Catalan cuisine to the world: “Catalan cuisine is based on tradition and innovation – they don’t compete – they come together to make a greater brand for Catalan cuisine.”

She added that the tourist board was working with tour operators, such as Pura Aventura and Wexas, to develop more gastronomic itineraries.

“Catalan cuisine is not just about Barcelona [where Disfrutar took number one spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024]. It’s about the whole region, which has really undergone a gastronomic revolution in the last 20 years.”

The region has the prestigious accolade of the being the territory with the highest number of Michelin star restaurants – 54 in total.

Wine and cava are also part of Catalonia’s history, with 12 denominations of origin, more than 300 wineries that you can visit and nine wine routes. From a gastronomic point of view, there are 12 products with Protected Designation of Origin, such as olive oil, wine, cheese and hazelnuts, many of which can be discovered directly with their producers all year round.

In addition the region celebrates a couple of anniversaries in 2025 – Montserrat Abbey will celebrate its 1,000th anniversary with a series of celebrations throughout the year and the Joan Miró Foundation will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Looking ahead to 2026, key highlights will include it being declared the Year of Culture in Catalonia, the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death, and the expected completion of the Sagrada Família.