The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) has announced that Francesc Fusté-Forné is the latest recipient of its prestigious Food Tourism Industry Lifetime Achievement Award. This esteemed recognition honors individuals whose dedication and contributions have significantly shaped the global food and beverage tourism landscape.

Since its inception in 2021, the award has been reserved for those who exhibit exceptional leadership, influence, and commitment to advancing food tourism. Industry peers nominate candidates, and a panel of WFTA leaders and select experts meticulously evaluates nominees to ensure only the most deserving individuals receive this distinction.

Francesc Fusté-Forné, Associate Professor Serra Húnter at the University of Girona (Catalonia, Spain), is a highly respected academic and researcher specializing in food, rural marketing, and tourism. His work explores the intersections of authenticity, heritage, and identity in gastronomy, shedding light on how food tourism connects with landscapes, sustainability, and social change. Holding dual PhDs—one in Tourism from the University of Girona and another in Communication from Ramon Llull University—Dr. Fusté-Forné has significantly influenced both academia and industry practices.

His contributions extend beyond research, with notable publications including ‘Contemporary Advances in Food Tourism Management and Marketing’ (Routledge, 2023) and the newly released ‘The Food Tourist’ (Emerald, 2025). His impact was further recognized in 2024 when he was listed among the world’s top 2% most influential researchers by Stanford University and Elsevier. Additionally, his co-authored article, ‘The way we live, the way we travel: Generation Z and sustainable consumption in food tourism experiences,’ earned the Outstanding Article Award at the 2024 Emerald Literati Awards.

With his vast expertise and groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Fusté-Forné continues to shape the future of food tourism, inspiring both scholars and industry professionals worldwide.

“Francesc Fusté-Forné’s groundbreaking research and dedication to understanding food tourism’s role in culture, sustainability, and media make him an exemplary recipient of this award,” said Erik Wolf, Executive Director & Founder of the World Food Travel Association. “His work continues to inspire and shape the future of food tourism worldwide.”

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