The 6th World Top Gourmet Awards ceremony will take place on October 3, 2024, at the Sunway Resort Hotel. This prestigious event aims to honor the most outstanding culinary brands, restaurants, chefs, entrepreneurs, and food personalities. The highly anticipated occasion seeks to enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a top tourist destination while showcasing the richness and diversity of Malaysian cuisine.
The World Gourmet Platform held a press conference at the Sunway Resort Hotel, attended by over 180 participants, including YBhg. Datin Rafidah Idris, Senior Director of the Domestic and Events Division of Tourism Malaysia, and various representatives from the culinary industry and media.
In her speech, Dr. Peggy Chong, President of World Gourmet stated, “Service quality and innovation are indispensable parts of promoting the culinary and tourism industries. Thus, the World Gourmet Awards will take a step further this year by collaborating with the Malaysian Association of Skill Development Education (MASDEA) to introduce training courses aimed at improving the service and food quality of the local culinary industry.”
YBhg. Datin Rafidah Idris also addressed the audience, stating, “Malaysia continues to see a surge in international tourists this year, with a target of welcoming 27.3 million international tourists and generating RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue.”
Food and beverage services accounted for 14.9% of this tourism revenue from international tourists, totaling RM10.6 billion, making it one of the top three contributors to tourism receipts, just behind shopping and accommodation.
Senior Director Datin Rafidah Idris continued, “The F&B sector holds tremendous potential in enhancing the tourism industry. We will further leverage collaborations with stakeholders in this industry to achieve the goal of attracting 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals with projected receipts of RM147.1 billion in the forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
In line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the World Gourmet Platform will also launch the “Explore Nation” app. This essential travel tool offers a range of features and functions to promote Malaysia’s tourism industry and enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors.
During the press conference, Dr. Peggy Chong also announced the appointment of Chef Bob Adnin, president of the Professional Culinary Association (Malaysia), as the ambassador for the 2024 World Top Gourmet Awards.
Since its inception, the World Top Gourmet Awards have bestowed over 400 awards, with an additional 100 awards expected to be given this year. The awards gala will host over 1,000 guests from both local and international communities.
This year’s event will feature:
- Awards Ceremony: Recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories, including top culinary brands, chefs, entrepreneurs, and personalities.
- Cultural Performances: Vibrant traditional cultural performances reflecting Malaysia’s rich heritage, complementing the country’s culinary offerings.
- Networking: Opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and share knowledge with renowned chefs, culinary entrepreneurs, industry leaders, food bloggers, culinary experts, and celebrities.
For more information about the 6th World Top Gourmet Awards, including ticket details and event
schedules, please visit www.worldgourmet.biz or follow us on Facebook @WorldGourmet.