In January 2026, several member cities of The Food Capitals, alongside the network’s Executive Director, will attend FITUR, one of the world’s leading international tourism trade fairs.
This major gathering offers an opportunity for Food Capitals cities to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore innovative ways to promote local gastronomy as a powerful driver of sustainable tourism, urban attractiveness, and local identity.
Castelldefels: the story of becoming a Gastronomy Capital
Castelldefels will once again be present to showcase its gastronomic identity and tourism strategy. After being awarded the “Best Sustainable Stand” prize in 2025 for the creativity and sustainability of its presence at the fair, the city returns to FITUR to highlight its signature dish, the Arròs de Castelldefels, as well as upcoming tourism and gastronomic events.
A collective presence from the network
Other Food Capitals cities will also be represented at FITUR 2026, including Barcelona, Cali, Puebla, and Cartagena de Indias, the network’s newest member.
Hear from The Food Capitals and its members during a special presentation at the Castelldefels stand on Friday, January 23rd at 13:00, while Castelldefels chefs propose a live cooking show of the city’s signature dish, the Arròs de Castelldefels. Find out more about this special dish in the latest episode of Cities at the Table.
From Puebla, internationally recognised for its role in safeguarding Traditional Mexican Cuisine inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, to Cali, a long-standing and active member of the network, these cities will take part in collective discussions on how gastronomy can strengthen tourism strategies while celebrating the diversity of local food cultures.
FITUR 2026 will also be a valuable opportunity to welcome Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, as a new member to the network and to begin discussions on future collaborations within the network.
Through this shared presence, The Food Capitals continues to support collaborative approaches that place gastronomy at the heart of sustainable tourism strategies and urban development.
