On 4 and 5 November, Riga Gastronomy Forum 2026 took place at Palladium Riga, bringing together internationally renowned chefs, restaurant managers, hospitality professionals and industry experts to discuss developments and future opportunities in the gastronomy and hospitality sectors. The forum was organised by the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency in cooperation with the Latvian Chefs’ Club.
The first day of the forum focused on emerging trends in gastronomy and hospitality, the use of local and seasonal ingredients, culinary excellence and enhancing the guest experience. International experts shared insights into restaurant development and the latest trends in food and wine pairing, while also exploring future food solutions and the role of innovation in gastronomy.
Vocational education and youth engagement in the hospitality sector were addressed by Elīna Kokina, Head of the Swiss Programme Department at the State Education Development Agency (SEDA), and Mike Khun, a Swiss expert in hospitality education and professional development. Together, they delivered a presentation entitled “Swiss Best Practices in Youth Education and Engagement in the Hospitality Sector”.
The presentation highlighted Switzerland’s experience in vocational education and training (VET), the role of companies in preparing future professionals, and opportunities for young people to acquire vocational skills in a real working environment.
Following the presentation, Laura Podgurska, Senior Expert at the Latvian Restaurant Association, commented:
“It is truly encouraging to see so many industry professionals gathered in one place, united by a shared commitment to developing the industry and investing in the growth of the next generation.”
Switzerland’s experience offers valuable insights into how close cooperation between educational institutions and employers can help develop the skills needed in the hospitality sector.
This approach is also being promoted in Latvia through the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation project “Development of Industry-Based Vocational Education”, implemented by the State Education Development Agency.
For more information about the Swiss–Latvian Cooperation project, please visit: https://swiss-contribution.lv