Overview of the Mediterranean Food Book Presentation
The University of Malta’s Department of Tourism Management recently hosted the “Mediterranean at the Table: Stories, Flavours, Civilisations” event at Sud Osteria in Perugia, Italy. The event featured a presentation and a moderated discussion on Cibo Mediterraneo, a comprehensive book written by Professor Carmel Cassar. The book, a blend of rigorous historical analysis and practical recipes, has become an informative resource for scholars, culinary enthusiasts, and tourism professionals alike.
Key Themes Explored in Cibo Mediterraneo
Historical Roots of Mediterranean Cuisine
Cassar traces the evolution of Mediterranean meals from Bronze‑Age grain‑based dishes to the modern staples of olive oil, legumes, and durum wheat. The book discusses how a network of trade routes, migrations, and cultural exchanges have shaped the broad culinary spectrum across coastal Greece, southern Italy, North Africa, and the Levant. The arrival of the tomato, for example, is treated as a watershed moment that allowed a new generation of dishes to flourish.
Social and Cultural Significance of Meals
The discussion highlighted how food in the Mediterranean is more than nourishment. Meals serve as expressions of identity, moments of communal memory, and a means of social cohesion. Cassar emphasized the importance of shared table rituals as a symbolic language that “speaks the identity of a people, the memory of a past, and the future of a community.” These insights offer a deeper appreciation for the role that gastronomy plays in tourism and cultural representation.
The Academic Lens – Prof. Carmel Cassar’s Perspective
Prof. Cassar, a history professor, provides a scholarly lens that makes the book accessible to non‑academics. She discusses the historiography of Mediterranean food, noting how gastronomy has long been a field of study that intertwines with politics, migration, and identity formation.
Invitation to explore: Learn more about the Tourism Management program and how it integrates Mediterranean culinary heritage into curriculum.
Practical Implications for Tourism Management
Culinary Heritage as a Tourism Asset
For destination marketers, the book offers a case study in leveraging culinary heritage to attract visitors. It explains how regional specialties—such as Sicilian cannoli, Sardinian bread, and Maltese pastizzi—can be packaged into authentic experience tours that promote cultural sustainability.
Incorporating Mediterranean Foodways in Destination Marketing
Several panelists highlighted success stories where the incorporation of Mediterranean foodways has added value to tourism marketing strategies. Initiatives such as food festivals, cooking classes, and farm‑to‑table partnerships show how food can be a person‑centric narrative, resonating with both domestic and international visitors.
The University of Malta’s Contribution
Institute of Maltese Studies
Prof. Cassar also serves as the Director of the Institute of Maltese Studies, an interdisciplinary center that promotes research on Maltese history, culture, and heritage. The Institute’s digital archives and curated collections provide an essential resource for scholars studying Mediterranean food traditions.
Mediterranean Institute Platform
The university is also the Chairperson of the Platform for Mediterranean Food‑ways within the Mediterranean Institute. Short‑term research grants and collaborative projects are offered through this platform, aiming to preserve and disseminate the collective knowledge of Mediterranean culinary culture.
Event Highlights and Community Impact
Discussion Topics Covered
- Evolution of food across centuries in the Mediterranean basin.
- The role of food in migrant identity and diaspora experiences.
- Current challenges faced by local food producers and the local economy.
- Future trends in Mediterranean culinary tourism.
Audience Engagement and Outcomes
The event attracted a diverse audience, including academics, chefs, tourism professionals, and students from both Malta and Italy. Participants engaged in small‑group discussions, recipe tastings, and live polls that measured their perceptions of Mediterranean culinary heritage and tourism potential.
Destination managers can draw from these conversations to develop new products that preserve regional culinary traditions while catering to global trends in sustainability and authenticity.
How to Dive Deeper into Mediterranean Food Heritage
Recommended Reading – Cibo Mediterraneo
Interested readers can obtain a copy of Cibo Mediterraneo directly through the University of Malta’s online bookstore or local academic libraries. The book provides full recipes, detailed histories, and culinary maps that serve as both research tools and cooking guides.
Training Opportunities and Courses at the University of Malta
For those looking to specialize, the Master’s in Tourism Management program offers modules on culinary tourism, risk management for food‑based ventures, and sustainable marketing of food heritage. To apply, visit University of Malta’s admissions portal.
Explore next steps: Check out upcoming talks and seminars on Mediterranean culinary culture.
Additional Resources and Next Steps
For those eager to broaden their knowledge, the following resources are recommended:
- Institute of Maltese Studies – Website
- Mediterranean Institute – Platform for Mediterranean Food‑ways
- University of Malta’s Research & Projects page – Explore ongoing projects.
Engage with the Mediterranean food conversation and consider how culinary heritage can be leveraged in your future tourism initiatives. Now is the time to explore the University of Malta’s resources and join the movement that celebrates Mediterranean gastronomy as a living, breathing part of our shared global heritage. For more on Mediterranean culture, stay connected with our news portal and subscribe to updates on culinary-based tourism studies.
Apply for the Tourism Management Master’s today and become a leader in promoting Mediterranean foodways worldwide: Apply now.
Have questions? Contact the Department of Tourism Management for personalized guidance.
