Trabzon seeks UNESCO Gastronomy City designation

Trabzon is officially pursuing candidacy for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Gastronomy category. Under the vision “Trabzon Cuisine Extends Life,” the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality aims to establish the city as the Black Sea's gastronomic capital.

The candidacy highlights several of the city's 15 registered geographical indication products, including Akçaabat Köftesi, Trabzon Kuymağı, Vakfıkebir Bread, Hamsiköy Sütlacı, and Sürmene Pidesi, alongside local staples like anchovy culture and highland dairy products.

Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç stated that the title is intended to increase international recognition and brand value. He estimated that achieving UNESCO status could contribute at least 30% to the city's tourism sector. Recent tourism data shows Trabzon welcomed approximately 1.447 million tourists last year, generating $1.5 billion in revenue, with local visitor numbers seeing a 52% increase in the most recent seven-month period.