For Gastronomy as A World Heritage of Humanity: The Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux...

For Gastronomy as A World Heritage of Humanity: The Grands Chefs Relais &
Chateaux from Across the Globe Launch the Seville Appeal
All of the Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux have signed a joint declaration
supporting the French initiative to inscribe gastronomy as the first
intangible good of the UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity

SEVILLE, Spain, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- For Jaume Tapies, International
President of Relais & Chateaux, "The added value of Relais & Chateaux lies in
its ability to bring together the best chefs of all nationalities, well beyond
their own boundaries, when it comes to supporting the recognition of
gastronomy. The success of similar initiatives in other countries depends on
the success of this initiative by France."
For Jean-Robert Pitte, Head of the French Mission for Food Heritage and
Culture, "The support of the Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux gives a new
dimension to our initiative. Beyond French Gastronomy, it is also about having
gastronomy recognized as the first intangible good of the UNESCO World
Heritage of Humanity."
For Patrick O'Connell, Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux, "This initiative goes
far beyond our personal interests. Today, it is about recognizing, defending
and promoting culinary arts. The Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux are duty bound
to be at the forefront of this wonderful ambition".
About Relais & Chateaux
Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 475 of the finest hotels
and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries. Established in France in 1954, the
Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by
selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character. Furthermore,
Relais & Chateaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over
the world who share a passion for, and a personal commitment to, ensuring
their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony. To choose Relais &
Chateaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses. From the
vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in
Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Chateaux offers a chance to
explore the Route du Bonheur and discover a special place in a variety of
destinations. The Relais & Chateaux signature reflects this ambition: "ALL
AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD." For information or reservations, call
800-735-2478 or consult the Web site at www.relaischateaux.com.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF THE SEVILLE APPEAL AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Seville Appeal
Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux
20 May 2008

We, the Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux,

United around the world by our fellowship and personal commitment, seeking
to elevate gastronomy to the pinnacle of its excellence
Are convinced that gastronomy is a hallmark of excellence and
authenticity, an expertise combining tradition and inventiveness.
Are convinced that the promotion of unique culinary experiences is a
response to the globalization of taste and standardization.
Are convinced that gastronomy feeds on a mixture of flavors and terroirs
and that it is the gateway to the universal and to the mixing of cultures.
Wish -- as ambassadors of taste in numerous countries -- to show how the
skills of the creators of flavors are a heritage that must be defended and
enhanced.
Wish to give our support to raising the standing of the art of taste and
cuisine around the world which are inseparable from conversation and
socializing skills.
Wish to support the showcasing of an intangible heritage crafted from the
exchanges between peoples and the culinary traditions of each country.
Wish, based on our traditions and the diversity of our origins, to place
gastronomy in the service of quality, the passing on of skills and the
intercultural dialogue.
We, the Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux,
Give our unanimous support to the initiative of France to have French
gastronomy classed as a world heritage by UNESCO.

Seville, May 20, 2008

SOURCE Relais & Chateaux

Brenda Homick, Director of Relais & Chateaux North America, +1-212-319-4880 x
205, b.homick@relaischateaux.com