World Food Exchange to boost Culinary Tourism

Jul 01, 08 | 1:58 am

South Australia will position itself to take advantage of the world's growing culinary tourism market when it hosts the World Food Exchange in September.

Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith today announced the event will be held from 21 to 25 September and will be a major boost for the State's gourmet tourism appeal.

"Hosting this event is a South Australian first," Dr Lomax-Smith says.

"Sophisticated food and wine travellers already understand that South Australia's wine, food and agriculture are among the best in the world.

"The World Food Exchange will examine programs that can accelerate the State's campaign to become a world-leading culinary tourism destination.

"South Australia is in a good position to make the most of the growing global trend for sustainable culinary tourism.

"We are home to some of the best food and wine regions in the world, allowing visitors to eat the most fresh and delicious food and drink quality wine, all of which is grown locally and often within a 50km radius.

"People are now more aware of what they consume and the people and places that produce it and we want to capitalize on that in our tourism industry.

"The World Food Exchange will bring together leading international and Australian experts in the development of high quality food and wine-themed tourism experiences.

"They will share their knowledge and expertise with the State's food and wine producers, restaurateurs and tourism operators."

K. Dun Gifford, president of the food issues think-tank Oldways Preservation Trust, is Chair of the 2008 World Food Exchange. Dun is an enthusiastic supporter of all things South Australian and a devotee of the riches of produce and experiences the State has to offer.

Other leading experts attending the World Food Exchange to share their skills and experience include:

• American David Rosengarten, a travel writer, cookbook author and TV journalist who is one of the world's foremost authorities on food,  wine and cooking.
• South African Jo Sinfield who's work to promote the Franschhoek wine region helped it become one of South Africa's leading tourist destinations.

A key aspect of the World Food Exchange will be a regional tour program, which will introduce speakers, media and industry attendees to regional South Australia's wealth of wine and food experiences.

Attendees will be given a taste of the world-class and ecologically sustainable seafood and aquaculture industries of the Eyre Peninsula and will be immersed in the food and wine culture of the Barossa.

The opening cocktail reception and closing gala dinner will also feature produce from around South Australia's regions.

Industry-targeted workshops will be conducted in Port Lincoln and the Barossa, offering local producers and business operators the chance to learn from the expert panel and examine the business opportunities offered in creating experiences for the culinary tourism market.

For more information about the program please visit www.worldfoodexchange.com.