The decision was taken by the majority of the 75 countries who participated in the voting process, on Saturday 5 May, during the 35th WACS Congress held in the city of Daejeon, South Korea.
Athens will be the venue for the 37th World Association of Chefs Societies Congress in May 2016. The decision was taken by the majority of the 75 countries who participated in the voting process, on Saturday 5 May, during the 35th WACS Congress, held in the city of Daejeon, South Korea. The other two countries bidding against Athens were Johannesburg and Istanbul.
As a result of this decision, Greece consolidates its prominent position in the international culinary scene, since the 37th World Association of Chefs Societies Congress is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates, including internationally acclaimed chefs, as well as talented young promises, who will have the opportunity to sample authentic Greek flavours for the first time. The first time that this event will be held in a European city on the Mediterranean, WACS 2016 is expected to boost the promotion of Athens, Greece and also Mediterranean food, while financially benefiting the companies involved.
The bid was submitted by the Hellenic Chefs’ Federation on behalf of Greece, and its successful outcome was due to the practical support of the Athens Convention Bureau and the Greek National Tourism Organization, as well as the financial contribution of the Athens City Council.
The result is a huge success, since Greece is currently experiencing a period of economic decline which it is trying to overcome through efforts to set its economy on the road to recovery and improve its image in the international media. In Daejeon, South Korea, the presence of the Greek delegation was exceptional and, thanks to some intense networking with the representatives of the World Association of Chefs Societies, managed to outbid the other two candidate cities. In the first round, Athens received 27 votes, followed by Johannesburg with 24, and Istanbul with 22. In the second round of voting, Athens beat Johannesburg hands down.
