#USA #New York #USTOA #Global Kitchen #Culinary Journeys

USTOA Launches Global Kitchen Series

The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has recently introduced a fascinating new video series titled USTOA's Global Kitchen. This initiative aims to take viewers on a captivating culinary journey across various destinations worldwide, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural diversity through food. The series features an array of experts, from Michelin-star chefs and local restaurateurs to knowledgeable tour guides, who guide viewers through the world of street food and hidden culinary treasures.

Exploring the Flavors of the World

In Global Kitchen, travelers will explore four featured destinations: Malta, Finland, Poland, and Québec. These episodes are designed to lead food enthusiasts past the typical tourist sites and into local markets and food stalls. Here, they will discover authentic dishes that encapsulate the spirit and history of these regions, offering a unique perspective on each culture's relationship with food.

Alongside the video series, USTOA is also releasing a digital cookbook. This resource will include a collection of recipes from the featured locations as well as additional destinations like Buenos Aires, Colombia, Germany, Laos, Lanzarote, Morocco, Thailand, Vietnam, and Zagreb. By cooking these dishes at home, viewers can participate in the culinary narratives and traditions of each destination.

A Statement from Leadership

Terry Dale, USTOA's President and CEO, expressed the significance of food in cultural discovery: "Food is one of the most powerful and memorable gateways to discovering a destination's culture. The Global Kitchen series aims to highlight our partners' culinary stories and emphasize how cuisine reflects a place's spirit and legacy. Whether it's a dish passed down through generations or a new twist on a local favorite, these culinary experiences help travelers connect with the heart of any destination."

The series provides an engaging way for viewers to learn about foods such as Malta’s pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese, and how to prepare Finland's traditional Karelian pies. Poland’s celebrated Pączki, a pastry filled with marmalade, comes to life in the bustling atmosphere of a neighborhood bakery. Meanwhile, in Québec, the series reveals the story of a grilled bologna sandwich steeped in tradition, served uncut at a nostalgic lunch counter.

An Educational Travel Experience

The Global Kitchen series follows the success of USTOA's earlier campaigns like Picture Yourself In... and USTOA On Tour Live. These initiatives emphasize the importance of immersive travel experiences, which are fundamental to the offerings provided by USTOA's member operators. Dale emphasizes this by stating, "Food carries generations of tradition and tells the narrative of a destination's people, history, and values."

USTOA has collaborated with various tourism authorities to bring the Global Kitchen video series to fruition. Partners include the Malta Tourism Authority, Visit Finland, the Polish Tourism Organization, and Alliance de l'industrie touristique du Québec, among others. Each partner shares the goal of showcasing the flavors and stories that make their destinations rich and unforgettable.

For those eager to explore these culinary adventures, the Global Kitchen episodic video series and corresponding digital cookbook can be accessed at USTOA's official website as well as on USTOA's YouTube channel.

In summary, Global Kitchen not only invites viewers to appreciate different cuisines but also encourages them to travel and experience the world's delicious offerings firsthand. There’s truly a world of flavors just waiting to be discovered.

About USTOA

Representing a substantial $24.4 billion in revenue, USTOA member companies offer tours and packages that allow over 8.4 million travelers each year to enjoy unparalleled access to authentic experiences worldwide. Each member adheres to the travel industry's highest standards, including the participation in USTOA's Travelers Assistance Program, which safeguards consumer payments up to $1 million in case of a company going out of business. After more than 50 years of serving as the voice of the tour operator industry, USTOA remains committed to enhancing consumer education and assistance through its dedicated resources.