Food is much more than a dining experience: it tells the story of a territory, preserves traditions and can become a driver for sustainable tourism. This is the principle behind the GIST Travel Food Award 2026, the recognition organized by the Italian Group of Tourism Press (GIST), with the patronage of ENIT, to reward destinations and events capable of highlighting the enogastronomic heritage.
The ceremony of the ninth edition took place at the TTG Travel Experience in Rimini, where four main awards and a special recognition were presented. Ten jurors evaluated 74 projects across five categories, paying particular attention to sustainability, ethics, and the link between gastronomy and local identity. Here are the awards.
Carignano Trails
The prize for the Best Italian Enogastronomic Destination was awarded to the Carignano Trails, in Sulcis, Sardinia. Promoted by the Cammino di Santa Barbara, this itinerary combines sea, ancient mines, vineyards and villages, offering a slow-paced experience in the spirit of tradition and the discovery of the territory.
The route runs for 200 kilometers, divided into 12 stages that cross 13 municipalities, with over 15 wineries involved. The protagonist is the Carignano del Sulcis, the iconic grape variety of this part of the island.
Crete is the European Region of Gastronomy 2026
For the category Best Foreign Enogastronomic Destination, the recognition went to Crete, proclaimed the European Region of Gastronomy 2026. The Greek island harbors an extraordinary biodiversity, with agricultural productions reflecting the variety of its landscapes and a culinary culture rooted in history dating back to the Minoan era.
On the Lassithi plateau, there are extensive vegetable crops, while the Messara valley is characterized by citrus groves and olive groves. The island counts over 40 million olive trees and produces high-quality olive oil, accompanied by cheeses and fruits grown in various areas, such as the Amari valley. Completing the gastronomic heritage are herbs, both medicinal and wild, honey, and more than eleven native grape varieties and wines produced also in monasteries.
Serprino Festival
The recognition for the Best Italian Enogastronomic Event went to the Serprino Festival, promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of the Colli Euganei Wines. Born in 2021 as a response to the pandemic crisis, the event has evolved into a wine tourism and cultural festival that involves the entire Euganean Hills area and the city of Padua.
In 2026 the festival offered over 40 events spread across three weeks, weaving together tastings, art, history and landscape.
Spain by Women
The award for the Best Foreign Enogastronomic Event went to Spain by Women, a project promoted by the Spanish Tourism Authority, Turespaña. The initiative uses gastronomy as a tool for tourism promotion, bringing together Spanish and Italian female chefs to create four-handed culinary experiences dedicated, from time to time, to a different region of Spain.
The Trombolotto of Sermoneta
The special prize from the jury was awarded to the Trombolotto of Sermoneta, an ancient medieval citrus fruit. Almost forgotten over time, this product has returned as a symbol of the Lazio region thanks to the research, recovery and valorization work carried out by Angela Concu and Fabio Stivali.
