Fáilte Ireland hosted a Food Tourism Workshop in the Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo. The event was attended by over 50 leading members of the food tourism industry in Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim, to learn from high profile experts in global food tourism development on international best practise and food destination development.
Key note speakers included Rebecca LeHeup, a food tourism destination development expert and writer with the Huffington Post in Canada, Arlene Stein, Chair of the Terroir Symposium and contributor to Good Food Revolution, and Valerie Howes, Food editor, Reader’s Digest, Canada.
The speakers explored the priorities in building a food tourism destination and the importance of industry collaboration by creating dynamic food tourism activities in restaurants and tips on hosting media to benefit food tourism businesses.
Speaking at the workshop Fáilte Ireland’s Food Manager, Helen McDaid said –
“We are delighted to have three of Canada’s most prestigious ‘food gurus’ here in Ireland where they are experiencing our local cuisine and sharing some of their own insights and learnings with the local tourism industry.”
“Food is not only good for the soul, it is also good for business and has the potential to deliver on long term growth and sustainability to Ireland’s tourism industry.”
“Each food tourism destination should be unique as food reflects who we are, connecting our traditions, heritage, skills and closeness to the land. ”
“To be successful, we must grow the focus on ‘visitor ready’ food experiences which will evoke a unique sense of place, culture and hospitality.”
Martina Bromley, Head of Operations, North West, said
“The food offering in the North West region continues to grow from strength to strength. So many of our restaurants, cafe’s and bars in the North West are offering quality locally sourced food in a creative and imaginative way at quality prices.”
“Research shows that food is a hugely important experience when visitors are here – visitors want to enjoy local food, engage with local providers and eat local specialty dishes.”
“When we look at the Wild Atlantic Way concept – the longest coastal touring route in the world stretching 2,400 Km’s from Malin Head in Donegal to Mizzen in Cork we know that food will play a huge part in that experience and food providers will have great opportunity to showcase the best of what the region has to offer.”
“Working together, looking at best practise from overseas, and collaborating on the food offering is so important to the success of this initiative.”
The Canadian group visited a wide variety of food businesses throughout the North West, sampling the best of what some of our local trade have to offer.
The tourism authority is currently looking for emerging food champions but this year is focussing on individuals located along the Wild Atlantic Way, deadline on or before 12 noon on Friday 14 June, 2013.