Summit will showcase cuisine's tourism importance
IAN STALKER
This country’s Culinary Tourism Alliance says the importance of great opportunities for tourists to break bread in Canada shouldn’t be underestimated.
Alliance president Rebecca Mackenzie told a recent TIAC webinar that attractive dining opportunities are always a lure for those on vacation, while noting a major showcase for Canadian cuisine is drawing nearer.
“Food and beverage may not be the primary reason people go to a destination,” but can be the “primary reason someone returns,” she told viewers.
People in other countries visit Canada to “experience our food culture,” Mackenzie added.
The Culinary Tourism Alliance promotes both culinary and agricultural experiences. Mackenzie noted Montreal will host the Taste of Place Summit May 27 and 28, with participants able to go on a choice of rural tours that showcase Quebec agritourism.
Among visited areas will be the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships and there will also be an urban agricultural tour.
Hotel deals will be available for those who sign up for Taste of Place. The Taste of Place Summit is an annual event that takes place at a different venue each year and has the Culinary Tourism Alliance partner with academic institutions in the tourism and hospitality field across Canada to showcase unique Canadian tastes and emerging industry talent.
“This global summit brings together people who work on making destinations more exciting for visitors, like destination developers, tourism managers and marketers, SMEs, and students. They come to learn why and how to put their community’s food and drink culture at the front and centre of their destination. It’s all about making tourism and local businesses better through food,” the alliance states. “We all share a common goal: to give places and businesses the tools they need to create special and lasting food experiences. We want to make sure that these experiences are not just fun for visitors but also good for the places and the people who live there.”
Mackenzie said her alliance wants to be inclusive, showcasing what all provinces and territories offer in the way of cuisines.
There are countless ways Canadian cuisines can be experienced, she continued, citing opportunities that range from food trucks to fine dining to cooking classes.
Canada is a “destination that has great tastes,” Mackenzie continued.
Mackenzie said her alliance is active from coast to coast and as far north as Nunavut. She also said it is placing increased emphasis on bilingualism as it reaches out to all Canadians.
“It’s an exciting time,” Mackenzie added of opportunities for culinary and agricultural tourism.
More information can be found at canadaculinary.com. More information on Taste of Place tasteofplace.ca.
