2026 Submissions
Submit Your Digital Platform for Top Foodie Websites 2026
Gain international recognition and support local communities through innovation and sustainability.
Be Part of a Global Initiative
The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) invites digital platforms to participate in the 2026 edition of the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers.
This initiative celebrates and promotes platforms offering unique cultural and gastronomical experiences while empowering local communities and promoting sustainability.
Who Can Apply?
- Legally established websites, apps, or blogs.
- Platforms advertising creative and bookable experiences throughout the year.
- Suitable for domestic and international visitors.
- Supporting local businesses, craftspeople, and producers.
- Promoting cross-sectorial collaboration and sustainability.
How Does the Competition Work?
Nomination & Submission
Evaluation by Experts
Winners Announcement
Why Participate?
Winning platforms gain global recognition, increased visibility, and the opportunity to connect with a network of cultural and gastronomic leaders.
- Featured on IGCAT’s website and social media.
- Coverage in international media.
- Networking opportunities with global experts and communities.
- Official certificate and recognition as a top platform.
Evaluation Criteria
1. Usability of the Portal (Technical Aspects)
- Interface clarity and accessibility.
- Multilingual support.
2. Portal Offer (Content)
- Sustainability principles.
- Cross-sectoral approach and creativity.
- Connection to regional heritage.
3. Booking Experience (Operative Aspects)
- Clear descriptions and booking process.
- Information on transport and accessibility.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Be part of a global initiative that celebrates gastronomy, culture, and sustainability.
Open Call Criteria
OPEN CALL FOR WEBSITES PROVIDING CULTURAL AND GASTRONOMICAL EXPERIENCES
- Organised by IGCAT
- Deadline to submit registrations: December 2025
The TopWebsites for Foodie TravelersAward is a recognition given by IGCAT for the best websites providing unique creative, cultural and gastronomical experiences across the globe. By means of this project, IGCAT hopes to encourage creative, artistic and sensory experimentation to build new and unique food experiences.
By publishing an annual list of Top Foodie Websites, IGCAT aims to:
- Increase international visitors access to quality food and cultural experiences
- Give international visibility to niche food and culture experiences
- Reward portals and apps that support local businesses and contribute to sustainable territorial development
In doing so, IGCAT hopes to encourage:
- The development of new and unique food experiences initiatives or start-ups
- Provide inspiration to build innovative, creative and positive food experiences
- Improve the quality of services provided to ensure suitability for international visitors to enjoy
WEBSITE/DIGITAL PLATFORMS DESCRIPTION
Nominations are open for exemplary digital platforms dedicated to Foodie Travelers. Eligible platforms may include websites, apps, blogs, or other digital tools from both public and private entities. Nominated platforms should:
- Be legally constituted and encapsulate an inclusive governance structure;
- Advertise creative experiences available for online bookings throughout the year;
- Be appropriate for both domestic and international visitor markets;
- Support local businesses, craftspeople and local producers;
- Provide cross-sectorial and participatory experiences;
- Contribute to sustainable territorial development;
The digital platforms (websites, apps, blogs, or other) may provide a variety of unique experiences including (but not exclusive to):
- Food/wine tastings
- Farm/factory visits
- Cookery classes
- Craft-related experience
- Food/wine route
- Food/wine markets or fairs
- Museum/heritage sites related to food
Websites for Foodie Travelers that encourage cross-sectoral collaboration to create exceptional experiences will be favoured along with those that include unusual or emblematic venues, a theme or story, revalorization of heritage and educational tools; participatory or sensory experiences and/or provide enchanting and original experiences.
Note: The digital platforms should offer users the possibility to book experiences directly through the website/app/blog/platform. To facilitate this, the experiences’ description and booking process should be clear, informative, and user-friendly.
SELECTION PROCESS & CRITERIA
Digital Platforms submitted to the Top Foodie Websites 2025 competition will be evaluated by an international jury of experts from IGCAT according to the following macro-area (3) and their subcategories (10):
A. USABILITY OF THE PORTAL – TECHNICAL ASPECT
Interface structure
International and language accessibility
B. PORTAL OFFER – CONTENT ASPECT
Sustainability principles
Cross-sectoral approach
Education tools
Territorial connection
Creativity, uniqueness and appeal
C. BOOKING EXPERIENCE – OPERATIVE ASPECT
Description of experiences
Booking process, information about prices and available dates/ calendar
Transport and other services offered
PRIZE
Websites for Foodie Travelers that meet IGCAT’s criteria will be promoted on IGCAT’s website and social media. They may also be highlighted in other knowledge-sharing and promotional channels as good practices.
The winning Platforms will also receive an official certificate.
BRANDING
IGCAT will provide the Top Foodie Websites with a logo (button) to use as a link between the winning websites and IGCAT’s websites.
RULES
The Top Foodie Websites 2026 will be announced in February 2026 (exact date and place to be confirmed).
Websites/Platforms that were presented in the past edition can be re-submitted.
Websites/Platforms shall be submitted through the Registration Form provided by
IGCAT by December 2025.
Submissions will be evaluated by a jury/panel formed from IGCAT Experts.
In case of a tiebreak situation, the Chair of the jury will have the final say.
All rules and regulations are subject to interpretation by the organising body (IGCAT) whose decision shall be final.