In a bid to deepen cultural and economic ties across member nations, Russia has proposed the formation of an Association of Ethno-Gastronomic Tourism within BRICS. The initiative was introduced during a recent BRICS working group meeting focused on sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Nikita Kondratiev, Director of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, emphasized the transformative potential of food-based tourism.
“The accession of new members to BRICS expands not only the geography but also the cultural diversity of the association. This becomes a competitive advantage for promoting the tourism potential of the member states,” he stated.
Ethno-gastronomic tourism, which blends culinary exploration with cultural immersion, has seen rapid global growth. According to Kondratiev, the sector could surpass $1 trillion in value by 2025, driven by rising tourist spending, increased demand for authentic experiences, and growing interest in eco-friendly and local cuisine.
The proposed association would aim to create stronger collaboration between BRICS governments and private tourism sectors, while promoting traditional cuisines as gateways to understanding cultural heritage. It would also serve as a platform for sharing best practices in sustainable tourism and preserving intangible cultural assets such as regional recipes and cooking techniques.
Importantly, ethno-gastronomic tourism offers a path toward economic development, particularly in rural areas where culinary traditions often remain most intact. By highlighting regional diversity through food, the BRICS nations can foster job creation, stimulate local economies, and strengthen community identity.
“Ethno-gastronomic tourism is about much more than food,” Kondratiev noted. “It’s a tool for cultural diplomacy and rural empowerment.”
If adopted, the proposed association could position BRICS as a leader in the global movement toward experiential, inclusive tourism rooted in heritage and flavor.
