In 2027, Harghita County will bear the title of Gastronomic Region of Europe, according to the official decision of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism). The award ceremony of this prestigious title will take place on February 6, 2025, during a festive event organized in Harghita County.
An international jury of experts from IGCAT visited the county from October 6-11, 2024, to evaluate the local gastronomic heritage, community initiatives and efforts geared towards sustainable tourism. Dr. Diane Dodd, president of IGCAT and founder of the World Region of Gastronomy Award, highlighted the uniqueness of Harghita’s cultural values, the natural harmony of the landscape and the close collaboration between local communities.
According to Bíró Barna-Botond, President of Harghita County Council, the hard work of the “Visit Harghita” team and its partners over the past years has paid off. Thanks to the promotion work, Harghita County was ranked first in the Destination of the Year 2024 competition, and this latest achievement will contribute to the increased attractiveness, development of tourism and, consequently, the economy.
The gastronomic heritage of Harghita County reflects the meeting of Hungarian, Romanian, Armenian and Saxon traditions, which will be developed in the spirit of sustainability and innovation. The consortium coordinating the application aims to create a sustainable food ecosystem that supports the local economy, protects cultural values and enriches European gastronomic diversity. The main message: Taste Harghita County!
The consortium has already started planning gastronomic programs and events for 2027. At the spring edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair, which will take place February 20-23, 2025, the Visit Harghita stand will include a demonstration kitchen as a highlight.
The Harghita Intercommunal Development Association (Visit Harghita) has initiated the candidacy for the title of Gastronomic Region of Europe 2027 in 2023. Harghita County’s application file is available on www.igcat.org.
Consortium members from Harghita County:
- Harghita County Council
- Harghita Intercommunal Development Association (Visit Harghita)
- Honline Media (Seczek Kitchen and Garden)
- Harghita County Development Agency
- Csíki Vendéglátósok Egyesülete Association
- Páva KulinarIQum Association
- Sapientia EMTE – Faculty of Miercurea Ciuc
- Municipality of Miercurea Ciuc
- City Hall of Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Gheorgheni City Hall
- Pro Economica Foundation
- Boro Info
The Gastronomic Regions of Europe, selected and coordinated by IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), aim to contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens by highlighting the importance of cultural and gastronomic uniqueness. At the same time:
- encourage gastronomic creativity and innovation,
- intellectually nourish children and adults through culinary education,
- improve the level of sustainable tourism,
- promote the circular economy in both urban and rural areas,
- supports the well-being and health of communities and the environment.