IGCAT’s Top 10 Foodie Travel Websites for 2025

Unveiled at a gala event held on 6 February in Miercurea Ciuc, hosted by Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy Awarded 2027, IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 present a selection of exceptional, creative, and culturally rich gastronomic experiences from around the world. From food and wine tastings, farm or factory tours, cookery classes to craft-focused experiences, food and wine routes, markets, fairs, to museums dedicated to food heritage – just some of the exciting activities you’ll find on the awarded websites! All, striving to promote local gastronomy, support producers, and celebrate unique food cultures.

Moderated by IGCAT Board Member, Jaume Gomila reported that “we believe that food is a gateway to understanding the soul of a place. Through these Awards, we recognize the outstanding websites that connect travelers with authentic, creative and sustainable culinary experiences while supporting micro-businesses and regional development. The Jury applauded all participating websites for their commitment to nurturing more meaningful relationships between locals and international visitors.”

In the presence of international guests and local stakeholders attending Harghita’s official Award Ceremony, the top 10 websites selected from global submissions were announced, providing a most tantalizing list. The jury, with their diverse perspectives and deep knowledge, noted that these websites stood apart for their exceptional values related to supporting circular economies and their creativity. The winning websites are:

• Taste Saimaa from Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024;
• Veggera from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026;
• Äksyt Ämmät from Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024;
• NJOY Catalonia from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025;
• Slovenia.info from Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021;
• Gastronomy Tours from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026;
• Discover Crete from Crete, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026;
• Botiga Catalunya Experience from Catalonia, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2025;
• Visit Harghita from Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2027;
• Sawa Taste of Tunisia from Tunisia.

The winning websites were congratulated and given official certificates by jury representative, Ana Paula Sançana (Portugal); and Harghita County Consul, Barna-Botond Bíró.

IGCAT’s international jury and criteria

The websites submitted to the 4th edition of the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers competition, were evaluated by an international jury of experts from IGCAT who assessed them according to a series of criteria such as usability, sustainability and creativity of the experiences offered, as well as their connection with the regions they promote.

The jury included: Dr. Edith M. Szivas (Spain), Vice-President of IGCAT and expert in sustainable tourism; Orazio Bellettini (Ecuador), Social entrepreneur, Co-founder and Executive Director of FUEGOS; Mayada Badr (Saudi Arabia), CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission and one of the leading Saudi names specialized in Culinary Arts; Pepe Fassos (Australia), qualified Chef, certified organic farmer, owner of Five Sixty Farms, and founder of Fusion Agrifood; Ana Paula Sançana (Portugal), Technical responsible for the beekeeping in Lousamel Beekeepers Cooperative; and Bilel Aboudi (Tunisia), national coordinator for major international programmes (EU), Head of cultural industries’ development, international negotiator and Regional culture policy expert (Arab and North Africa regions).

A Gala night to crown the winning websites

In a grand celebration held at the Hotel Fenyő in Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers 2025 Award Ceremony took centre stage, bringing together international guests, local stakeholders, and tourism experts. Organized by IGCAT and Visit Harghita, the event was hosted as part of the award celebrations for Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy 2027. Receiving the Award from Dr. Diane Dodd, IGCAT’s President means that Harghita may start planning their award year.

The Award Ceremony was moderated by Günther Ottó, Radio and Television Presenter, and counted with the presence of President of the Harghita County Council, Barna-Botond Bíró; General Consul of the Hungarian Consulate in Miercurea ciuc/Csíkszereda, László Percze (online) and Consultant in tourism marketing, Pascu Răzvan.

Earlier in the day, participants embarked on an exciting snow-filled adventure to Harghita Băi, where they explored the stunning winter landscapes during a guided trip to the Pálos Monastery. This was followed by a delicious lunch at the Castor Restaurant, offering a delightful showcase of the region’s culinary traditions. The evening concluded with a festive dinner at Hotel Fenyő, hosted by Visit Harghita, where guests enjoyed Harghita’s warm hospitality and rich culinary offerings, proving just how valuable food-related visitor experiences are.

The article IGCAT’s Top 10 Foodie Travel Websites for 2025 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.