On May 16–17, 2026, the second edition of the International Culinary Forum Gourmet Fest will take place at the Festival and Congress Centre – Varna. The event brings together professionals, lecturers, students, and culinary enthusiasts from Bulgaria and abroad.
For the second consecutive year, Varna University of Management (VUM) is an academic partner of the forum and will actively participate in the event’s expo zone. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the university’s educational programmes and career development opportunities in the fields of tourism, gastronomy, hospitality, and culinary management.
VUM’s participation in Gourmet Fest 2026 is part of the university’s commitment to supporting innovative education and sustainable development in the culinary and tourism sectors, while also encouraging strong collaboration between academia and industry.
The university consistently develops partnerships with representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry, as collaboration between education and business is key to preparing successful professionals and ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector. VUM offers a wide range of educational opportunities in tourism and hospitality, including full-time bachelor’s and master’s programmes, distance learning in tourism, masterclasses, and various educational events during the summer months. The university also actively collaborates with employers through consultations, specialised training, and staff development programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector, establishing itself as a flexible and reliable academic partner for the industry.
The event will feature a rich programme of culinary demonstrations, presentations, tastings, and meetings with renowned professionals from the culinary world.
Among the organisers of the forum is Chef Kaloyan Kolev, who has been part of the team at the Culinary Arts Institute at VUM for 8 years. The implementation of Gourmet Fest also involves graduates of the university who are now successfully developing their professional careers in the industry.
The official opening will take place on Saturday at 9:45, followed by a demonstration by Zdravko Atanasov – a student at the Culinary Arts Institute at VUM – on the topic “New Bulgarian Cuisine,” inspired by the knowledge and practical skills he has acquired during his studies.
VUM invites all culinary enthusiasts to visit Gourmet Fest 2026 and meet the university’s team in the expo zone of the event.
