# Trabzon UNESCO Gastronomy City candidacy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/trabzon-unesco-gastronomy-city-candidacy
> Updated: 2026-08-15T06:53:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Trabzon has officially launched its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a Gastronomy City for 2027. Under the vision “Trabzon Cuisine Extends Life,” the candidacy aims to establish the city as the gastronomic capital of the Black Sea region.

Mayor Ahmet Metin Genç announced the application process alongside a Science Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. İrfan Yazıcıoğlu, and other local officials. The application dossier incorporates historical and cultural data supported by scientific research. The candidacy highlights 15 registered geographical indication products, including Akçaabat Köftesi, Vakfıkebir Bread, Hamsiköy Sütlacı, Trabzon Kuymağı, and Sürmene Pidesi, as well as anchovy culture and highland dairy products.

The municipality intends to integrate gastronomy into a broader economic development model involving agriculture and local production. Officials project that UNESCO status could increase the city’s tourism sector by at least 30%. Recent tourism data indicates that Trabzon welcomed approximately 1.447 million tourists last year, generating $1.5 billion in revenue. While foreign visitor numbers saw a slight decrease of about 3% in the first half of the current year, domestic visitors increased by approximately 50%, contributing to a 14% rise in total tourism activity. The city also seeks to leverage its existing historical landmarks, such as the Sümela Monastery, the Atatürk Mansion, and the Kızlar Monastery, to bolster its international brand.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Trabzon targets UNESCO gastronomy status to grow tourism

Trabzon aims to boost its $1.5 billion tourism economy by pursuing UNESCO gastronomy status and leveraging its historical sites like Sümela Monastery.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trabzon-targets-unesco-gastronomy-status-to-grow-tourism

### 2026-08-09: Trabzon seeks UNESCO Gastronomy City designation

Trabzon is applying for UNESCO Gastronomy City status to boost international tourism and promote its local culinary heritage, including products like Akçaabat Köftesi and Hamsiköy Sütlacı.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trabzon-seeks-unesco-gastronomy-city-designation

### 2026-08-04: Trabzon launches UNESCO 2027 Gastronomy City candidacy

Trabzon’s mayor announced the start of a UNESCO 2027 Gastronomy City bid, citing the city’s rich culinary heritage and expected tourism boost.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trabzon-launches-unesco-2027-gastronomy-city-candidacy

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Cite as: Trabzon UNESCO Gastronomy City candidacy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/trabzon-unesco-gastronomy-city-candidacy