The Gozo Regional Council has submitted the document to the International Institute of Gastronomy for evaluation on the awarding of the prestigious title. This submission is part of the candidacy bid that was initiated in April 2023. After formalising a partnership agreement, the Regional Council meticulously crafted a 60-page bid book that highlights Gozo’s distinctive gastronomic identity. This bid book will be the primary evaluation for the award, followed by a physical evaluation in February 2024.
The writing of the bid book was done by the Gozo Regional Manager in charge of Culture with assistance from ARC. There was continuous collaboration with all stakeholders throughout the process.
The bid is being spearheaded by the Gozo Regional Council with assistance from the Gozo Business Chamber, the Institute of Tourism Studies, the Gozo Regional Development Authority, the Gozo Tourism Association, Gozo College, and the Gozo NGOs Association. In the competition for the title, Gozo is contending with another island, Crete, and a region in Croatia, Kvarner.
The document is being published to the public as well and can be downloaded from European Region of Gastronomy 2026 Bid
The president of the Gozo Region, Dr. Samuel Azzopardi, remarked, “Gozo has a rich gastronomical and cultural identity. We are looking at ensuring the prevalent authenticity for years to come.”