The delights of Panamanian cuisine have been gaining strength with a group of Chefs and professionals from the service industry who have position well it on the international radar. However, taking this innovative industry to the next level requires planning and organization. For this reason, a group of Chefs, foodies and professionals from other disciplines have come together to create the Chamber of Gastronomic Tourism of Panama. One of its creators is the renowned Chef Mario Castrellon who shares with The Visitor – El Visitante his vision of this organization and the objectives established in it.
What inspired the creation of a Gastronomic Tourism Chamber and how it will change the way we see gastronomy in the tourist experience in Panama?
“Inspiration comes from being able to communicate Panamanian gastronomy both within the country and abroad. We want to create pride on Panamanian gastronomy as part of the country brand and to have more than 4 million Panamanians talking about our gastronomy. By achieving this we will have 4 million people speaking people from abroad.”
What examples of Chamber of Gastronomic Tourism can we find in other countries and how these helped to promote their gastronomy, is there any example?
“I’m not sure if there have been chambers, but there are surely good examples like Gastro Brand from Spain, or what the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PromPeru) has been doing and even the Yucatan Secretary of Tourism have done. I have had the opportunity to see how in these countries tourism has grown significantly through gastronomy.”
How will the Chamber of Gastronomic Tourism promote gastronomy to the local market?
“One of the priorities of the tourism chamber is to create national pride in our food and for Panamanians themselves to promote their gastronomy among ourselves.”
Authentic street food is very important to know the identity of a country, how will the Chamber of Gastronomic Tourism work to create these circuits?
“We will be putting together a directory and the gastronomic guide where popular food will be fundamental for the feeling of national pride in our gastronomy. Usually when we invite journalists and chefs from outside the tour begins with popular food so that from this point, we begin to explain the essence of local flavors.”
Which regions of Panama will the Chamber work first to promote gastronomic experiences?
“The plan is a national project that will try to promote all the regions of our country at the best possible pace. Colon Province comes very strong with a desire to grow and with very good energy. The flavors of Colon are unique in the world and there is a beautiful group eager to show it to the world.”
Photos courtesy: Chef Mario Castrellon.
