The City of Kelowna, together with Westbank First Nation and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, is proud to announce that Kelowna has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Kelowna is Canada's first city to receive this designation in the creative field of gastronomy, joining other cities in North America such as San Antonio (Texas, USA) and Mérida (Mexico).

Gastronomy is foundational to Kelowna's economy, attracting over 2 million visitors each year and generating $1.17 billion in tourism revenue. The city is home to more than 500 restaurants, contributing $394 million annually. Local agriculture occupies over half of Kelowna's land, adds $3.6 billion to the economy, and supports nearly 5,000 jobs.

Kelowna's application for the UNESCO designation earlier this year was a collaborative effort supported by the City of Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Tourism Kelowna and Okanagan College, with input from a wide range of industry professionals and community members, including growers, producers, chefs, business owners, not-for-profit organizations and technology companies.

As a Canada's first and only UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Kelowna anticipates enhanced global recognition with the announcement inspiring new culinary festivals and development projects.

Created in 2004, UNESCO's Creative Cities Network is organized into eight fields, including architecture, crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. Kelowna is the fifth city in Canada to join the network. The others are Quebec City (literature), Montreal (design), Toronto (media arts) and London (music).

Located on the traditional, unceded territory of the syilx Okanagan People, Kelowna is one of Canada's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Located in the interior region of British Columbia, Kelowna is a city shaped by collaboration, creativity, and a deep connection to the land. Known for its natural beauty and entrepreneurial spirit, the region brings together cultural vibrancy, four-season outdoor adventure, and a thriving food, wine, and craft beverage scene - offering rich, immersive experiences that invite visitors to slow down, connect, and savour the essence of the Okanagan. 

 For further information on visiting Kelowna in British Columbia's Valleys & Vineyards area see https://www.supernaturalbc.com/places-routes/valleys-vineyards/

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Images:

Kelowna Okanagan Valley.  Photo Credit: SuperNaturalBC.com

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