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Francesc Fusté-Forné: A Luminary in Food Tourism

On March 18, 2025, the World Food Travel Association (WFTA) proudly announced the selection of Francesc Fusté-Forné, a leading academic from Catalonia, as the recipient of the Food Tourism Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor serves as recognition for individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the food and beverage tourism sector, a field that has been aptly growing in popularity over the recent years.

A Journey of Academic Excellence

Dr. Fusté-Forné has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of food tourism, which intricately binds culture, sustainability, and local identities. He holds dual PhDs: one in Tourism from the University of Girona and another in Communication from Ramon Llull University. His diverse educational background lays a solid foundation for his creative and analytical approaches to food and tourism studies. His work explores a range of topics including the relationship between gastronomy and social change, effectively bridging academics and practical applications in the tourism industry.

Among his recent published works is Contemporary Advances in Food Tourism Management and Marketing (Routledge, 2023) and the anticipated The Food Tourist (Emerald, 2025). These contributions are just the tip of the iceberg of his expansive influence in both academia and industry.

Global Recognition

In 2024, Dr. Fusté-Forné was celebrated for being among the top 2% of most influential researchers globally, according to Stanford University and Elsevier. This remarkable achievement highlights the global impact of his scholarship, where his research has proven invaluable in shaping modern understandings of food tourism.

His academic stature is complemented by numerous awards including the prestigious Outstanding Article prize at the Emerald Literati Awards for his cooperative article with Dr. Alicia Orea-Giner titled The way we live, the way we travel generation Z and sustainable consumption in food tourism experiences, published in the British Food Journal.

The Award Ceremony

During the award announcement, Erik Wolf, Founder and Executive Director of the World Food Travel Association, remarked on Dr. Fusté-Forné's profound influence: "His groundbreaking research and dedication to understanding the interplay of food tourism within culture, sustainability, and media underline why he is a deserving recipient of this recognition. His contributions are inspirational and continue to shape the dynamics of food tourism worldwide."

Celebrating such a significant accolade, Dr. Fusté-Forné acknowledges the importance of community and collaboration in his journey: "This award reflects the collaborative effort of everyone involved in the food tourism sector. It’s an honor to be counted among those who strive to push the boundaries of understanding within this dynamic field."

As food tourism continues to gain traction around the world, figures like Francesc Fusté-Forné serve as beacons of knowledge, guiding the industry towards a future that values sustainability, authenticity, and the rich cultural narratives inherent in food traditions.

This recognition not only honors Dr. Fusté-Forné's past achievements but also sets a promising trajectory for future innovations in the intersection of food and tourism, inspiring a new generation of researchers, scholars, and professionals in the vibrant world of food tourism.