Peru has been recognised as the World’s Leading Culinary Destination in 2015 taking the top spot beating Australia, Spain, France and Italy.
Peruvian Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Magali Silva Velarde-Alvarez announced the news, saying Peru beat out China, Australia, Spain, United States, France, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico and Thailand to take the top spot.
“WTA recognize and celebrate the tourism industry and world travel sector excellence. The World’s Leading Culinary Destination category was created four years ago and, since then, only Peru has won this prize,” the Minister said.
The WTA awards are dubbed the ‘Tourism Oscars’ and were awarded last weekend at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort located in El Jadida, Morocco.
“WTA recognize and celebrate the tourism industry and world travel-related sectors’ excellence. The World’s Leading Culinary Destination category was created four years ago and, since then, only Peru has won this prize,” the Minister said.
Central Lima, Octopus in the Desert – Pulpo en el Desiero_
This honour adds to those already granted to “Central” restaurant owned by Peru-Brand Ambassador and world renowned chef Virgilio Martinez. Central was ranked first on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2015 list. Astrid & Gaston restaurant (owned by Gaston Acurio) and Maido restaurant (run by Mitsuharu Tsumura) held third and fifth spots, respectively.
In 2006 PromPeru created “Peru Mucho Gusto” Brand, which promotes Peruvian gastronomy in both the national and international spheres.
“Peru Mucho Gusto” fairs take place in diverse regions of the country. To date, 11 editions have been held in cities Piura, Cusco, Tacna, Tarapoto, Ica, Huaraz, Huamanga, Pisco and Tumbes.
Later, the Peruvian Society of Gastronomy (APEGA) took the lead and created Lima-based Mistura event considered South America’s top gastronomy fair.
Silva said that Peruvian cuisine promotion has been a major priority for the last decade. During this administration, the promotion strategy has been strengthened by having invested S/.24 million (about US$8 million) through to December 2015.