ENROLL HERE - Enrollment open until 10 October 2026 or until all spots are filled
The world of tourism is just a click away
Discover the first online course for designing unique experiences in gastronomy tourism. The full English Course comprises high-quality content specifically designed for e-learning. It also provides the opportunity to participate in live masterclasses with experts in gastronomy tourism who share their experiences and expertise. During the course, the topics explored include the planning and development of culinary routes, the promotion of culinary destinations, and experience management. Upon completion, students will be prepared to design and lead unique experiences that captivate travelers and contribute to the success of the gastronomy and tourism industry.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Online
100% in English
Duration: 9 ECTS
Starting date: October 2026
Enroll until 10th of October 2026
Academic period: 27th of October 2026 - 18th of March 2027
Live classes: every Thursday from 16:00 pm to 17:30 pm (CEST) (except during vacation periods)
Limited spots
Certificate from the Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences at the Basque Culinary Center
To acquire a deep knowledge about gastronomy tourism, understanding its fundamentals, trends, and current challenges
To develop the skills to design and manage memorable gastronomy tourism experiences, addressing aspects such as route planning, the promotion of destinations, and the creation of memorable culinary experiences
To gain in-depth knowledge about the relationship between gastronomy, culture, and travel, exploring how culinary aspects influence travelers' choice of destination and satisfaction
To become familiar with the technological and digital tools required to promote and market gastronomy tourism products, including marketing strategies and social media management
To gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability in gastronomy tourism and the importance of promoting responsible practices that preserve culinary heritage and are environmentally friendly
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
We know that professional opportunities may vary depending on students' geographic location and individual preferences; however, upon completing this Course, students will be able to perform tasks and functions in the following positions and fields:
Gastronomy Tourism Advisor and Consultant
Tour Guide Specializing in Gastronomy
Employment in Wineries and Agri-Food Companies with a focus on tourism
Employment in Travel Agencies specializing in Gastronomy Tourism
Experience Management in Hotels and Hotel Chains
Gastronomic Communication at Communication Agencies
Research and Training in the field of Gastronomy Tourism
Participation in Gastronomic Markets and Events
Roles in Destination Promotion Management Entities
Creation and Administration of Gastronomy Tourism Products
Work in Museums, Centers, and Spaces related to Gastronomy
Aimed at/Program
This Course is for people with the following profiles:
Tourism professionals who want to specialize in gastronomy tourism, such as: tour guides, travel agents, managers of tourism activities/companies, tourism consultants, etc.
Gastronomy professionals interested in gastronomy tourism: personnel at hotels, restaurants, wineries, markets, food companies, etc.
Professionals from other disciplines who, because of their interest in tourism and gastronomy, are drawn to the Gastronomy Tourism sector: professionals in Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Economics, Business, Humanities, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.
Entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the gastronomy tourism industry
Recent graduates in Tourism, Gastronomy, Hospitality, Marketing, Communication, Journalism, Economics, Business, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, etc.
Language requirements:
The entire Course will be in English
If you don't identify with the information above and you're interested in the course, don't hesitate to contact us. The course coordination team will evaluate your experience and advise you.
PROGRAM
Module 1: Introduction to Gastronomy Tourism
The global scenario for the tourism sector
The pairing of gastronomy and tourism
Gastronomy tourism: Conceptualization, development, and trends
The gastronomy tourism value chain in a tourist destination
Case studies of gastronomy tourism destinations and companies
Module 2: Strategic Planning in Gastronomy Tourism
Strategic Planning: Concept and need
Evaluation and planning tools
Designing Business Models, Products and Services, and Customer Experiences
Leadership Roles / Management
Strategic Planning vs. Strategic Marketing
Module 3: The Gastronomy Tourism Market: profiles and segments
Basic concepts on tourism demand and segmentation
Gastronomy tourist profiles. Leading studies on Gastronomy Tourism jobs in demand
The gastronomy tourist user experience
Methods and tools for understanding the gastronomy tourist
Service culture, in search of excellence
Module 4: Designing Gastronomy Tourism products and experiences
Concept of the tourist experience
Elements of a tourist experience
Types of Gastronomy Tourism experiences
Differentiation - specialization as a strategy
Step-by-step design of Gastronomy Tourism experiences
Case studies of outstanding experiences in Gastronomy Tourism
Module 5: Gastronomy Tourism Marketing
Tourism marketing fundamentals
Branding. Gastronomy as a branding and positioning tool
360º Gastronomy tourism communication and promotion strategies: online and offline
Marketing Strategies
Customer Loyalty strategies
Module 6: Final Project
Creating a Gastronomy Tourism product or experience
Developing a Gastronomy Tourism destination strategy
Research in Gastronomy Tourism
Other ideas may also be accepted following evaluation by the course coordinator
Calendar
Introduction to the platform (Module 0): at first, you'll have the chance to familiarize yourself with the course methodology and learning platform.
Academic period: 28th of October 2026 - 19th of March 2027
Approximate weekly study load: 12 hours
Closure of the virtual classroom: 19th of June 2026
Live Weekly Classes: Thursdays from 16:00 h to 17:30 h (CET)
Live classes will be recorded and can be viewed at your leisure. All course material will be available on the platform 24 hours a day for the duration of the course.
Methodology
The Online Course is 100% in English and uses a learning by doing methodology, which is based on the idea that the best way to learn is through practical experience and direct action. Rather than focusing exclusively on theory and passive instruction, this methodology encourages students to acquire knowledge and skills by actively participating in hands-on activities and real projects. Additionally, the Course and content have been specifically designed for e-learning, allowing participants to access quality education from anywhere and at any time.
He has been named one of the 150 most influential people in tourism in Spain for three consecutive years. He has been working in tourism since 1995, having experience in different sectors such as destination promotion, hospitality, training, and consulting. He holds a degree in Tourism Activities from the University of Deusto, a degree in Tourism from Nebrija University, and a Master's in Tourism Management from Bournemouth University. He is a professor and director of various programs related to tourism and hospitality at different universities. As a consultant, he has worked on numerous projects in Europe and Latin America. Since 2005, he has been involved in the development of gastronomy tourism projects, is an auditor for Rutas del Vino de España since 2007, and is a regular speaker at forums and conferences on gastronomy tourism.
You will have masterclasses and live classes with experts in Gastronomy Tourism such as:
He has been working in the tourism sector for over 25 years. He was the Director of Tourism for Santiago de Compostela. He is the founder and director of the consulting firm Verne Tourism Experts. An associate professor of the gastronomy tourism programs at the Basque Culinary Center, he has been the technical director of the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism UNWTO-Basque Culinary Center and is co-author of the Guide for the Development of Gastronomy Tourism created by the UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center.
Hotel and Restaurant Business Director, MBA in Business Management, and specialized in Strategic Planning and Creative Thinking. He has more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, consultant, researcher, and educator in the Leisure, Tourism, Hospitality, and Catering industries, both nationally and internationally. He is the President of Aidabe (Iberoamerican Association of Food and Beverage Directors and Executive Chefs).
Testimonials
June Yamaguchi
Culinary Guide
"I'm from Japan and I have been living in Donostia-San Sebastian for more than 20 years. I work in tourism and on fostering the relationship between Japan and the Basque Country, especially in terms of gastronomy. I wrote a book about gastronomy in the Basque Country and Navarre, and have collaborated with several other authors, including on the Basque Cuisine Encyclopedia. This course has really helped me deepen my knowledge and prepare me for the challenges that lie ahead in the gastronomy tourism sector."
Laura Segade
Tourist Guide
"I'm a guide with a tour company specializing in the Camino de Santiago and cultural and nature tourism. In this course, I have improved my skills in a tourism segment that's on the rise and has infinite possibilities. Sharing this experience with colleagues from all over the world and from different sectors has been truly enriching."
Lanzada Calatayud Álvarez
Tourism Consultant
"Both the content, delivered through an attractive methodology, and the variety of speakers, many of them entrepreneurs or recognized experts in tourism, provided a solid balance. Likewise, the magnificent coordination of the course, in terms of its professionalism, dedication, and availability, ensured that this training was an excellent experience. I learned, researched, and shared, and thanks to the course, I'm now immersed in the field of gastronomy tourism. I currently work as a tourism consultant and, undoubtedly, this has everything to do with the course, Designing Gastronomy Tourism Experiences."
MEET OUR STUDENTS
Enrolment and payment methods
The total cost of the course is € 2,930paid as follows:
Registration Fee: € 150
40% of the total,i.e. € 1,112, is due upon confirmation of admission to reserve the spot
The remainder, € 1,668 is due before the course begins