Harghita County – European Region of Gastronomy – PRESS RELEASE

Harghita County – European Region of Gastronomy

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The President of Harghita County Council, Barna-Botond Bíró, officially received the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027 on 6 February 2025, following the decision of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT). The prestigious award was presented at a grand event by Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT.

A dual celebration took place on Thursday at the Fenyő Hotel in Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, bringing together politicians, industry experts, tourism representatives, influencers, and IGCAT delegates. The event included the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award 2025 ceremony, organized by IGCAT, alongside the official handover of the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title.

With this recognition, Harghita County has joined an elite group of European regions distinguished for their outstanding gastronomic heritage, sustainable food networks, and vibrant cultural traditions. The Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) launched the application process in 2023, and in October 2024, the IGCAT jury visited the county to explore its culinary values, community initiatives, and sustainable tourism strategies. Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT, stated:

“Harghita is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, and unwavering resilience. Its deep commitment to food security, small-scale farming, and biodiversity creates the perfect foundation for a sustainable gastronomic destination. With passionate producers, artisanal cheesemakers, heritage inns, and a vibrant array of festivals celebrating its culinary heritage, Harghita offers a delicious discovery for foodie travelers and is more than ready to be the European Region of Gastronomy 2027.“

Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council added:

“This title is not only a recognition but also a responsibility. Harghita County is receiving international attention, which creates an opportunity for us to showcase our rich and diverse gastronomic offerings. The next two years oblige us to prepare for 2027 so that we can represent our region in a worthy manner. Our goal is to achieve a gastronomic reform that embraces our traditional recipes while also demonstrating that the most delicious dishes are made in Harghita County – using natural, local ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Winning this title contributes to strengthening the local economy and businesses while also highlighting the values of our community. The gastronomic world of Harghita County is exciting and diverse, and by presenting it to the world, we not only strengthen our local community but also promote the culinary offerings of the entire Szeklerland region. This is an opportunity from which everyone benefits.“

Receiving the title is not only an honor but also a unique opportunity for Harghita County to strengthen its place on Europe’s gastronomic map. In the coming years, numerous programs and events will support local producers, restaurateurs, and community members, fostering sustainable development and boosting tourism. The highlights of 2027 will include gastronomy festivals, professional conferences, and cultural programs, all aimed at showcasing the county’s distinctive flavors and culinary heritage.

“I was first drawn to Harghita County by its natural landscapes and diverse surroundings, but I returned for the people I met here and the sensational cuisine. No visit to Harghita is ever the same, as each time I discover new places, try new dishes, and feel immense joy in witnessing its development as a European tourist region. From well-known inns and traditional gastronomic points to fine dining restaurants, I have always felt that the local cuisine is an experience in itself rather than just a necessity. The emphasis on using and promoting local ingredients, as well as integrating small farms and producers into the tourism ecosystem, provides a significant advantage over mass-market tourism and is undoubtedly the key element that will ensure Harghita’s long-term success as a tourist destination“

– said tourism marketing expert Răzvan Pascu.

Preparations for the 2027 programs are already underway, with organizers dedicated to ensuring that Harghita County proudly represents its culinary and cultural heritage as the European Region of Gastronomy.

European Region of Gastronomy

European Regions of Gastronomy (candidate and awarded), guided by IGCAT, aim to contribute to a better quality of life for their citizens by raising awareness about the importance of cultural and food uniqueness, and in doing so:

stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation
nourish children and adults through culinary education
improve sustainable tourism standards
strengthen circular economies in both urban and rural settings
support community and environmental well-being and health

IGCAT provides the Award, with the support of International and European institutions. The regions also join a World Platform of awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy in order to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility and support sharing of knowledge.

The title of European Gastronomic Region recognises communities (cities, counties, regions, islands or countries) that place a strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage through community collaboration and sustainable development. They attach particular importance to the preservation and protection of local food, drink, agricultural products and their cultural and natural values.

The label is a recognition that widely promotes the region’s achievements, programmes, community cohesion and responses to future challenges, but it does not come with a cash prize.

Members of the Harghita County Consortium: