Summit focuses on food and drink potential

This April will see the return of NI Hotel Federation’s Taste of Tourism Summit when businesses here will be able to learn how they can use local food and drink produce to attract new customers, improve their profits and enhance their reputations.

Back for a second year, the Federation’s Taste of Tourism Summit on April 3 and 4 in the Culloden Estate and Spa will provide delegates with an opportunity to listen to the experiences of a range of top speakers.

Janice Gault, chief executive of the NIHF, says that the event will focus on what the modern culinary tourist wants:

“For any business in the tourism spectrum, food and drink have a central role and it’s important to understand emerging trends, changing consumer needs and what’s in vogue for the traveller seeking an authentic culinary experience,” she told LCN.

“As a society, we want to be involved in our food and we want to know what produce has been used to create the dishes on the menu. For people who enjoy good food, the story behind the dish is equally as important as the way in which it’s served and presented.”

Those attending this year’s Summit will hear from renowned Michelin star chef, Jun Tanaka, head chef and owner of The Ninth, a contemporary restaurant in the heart of London’s buzzy Fitzrovia. Jun has more than 20 years’ experience working in top London restaurants such as Le Gavroche, The Restaurant Marco Pierre White and The Square.

Delegates will also enjoy a Taste of Northern Ireland Breakfast featuring iconic brands, traditional fare and a range of healthy options. This will be followed by a Picnic NI Lunch, which includes a food hamper for sharing, grazing and enjoying the best local products. Curated artisan food and drink will also be served up at an Artisan Marketplace throughout the day.

The event is sponsored by Tourism Northern Ireland, Invest NI, Tourism Ireland and the Food Standards Agency NI, along with a range of local suppliers. The Taste of Northern Ireland Gourmet Dinner is supported by Bunzl McLaughlin and the artisan food market is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Our picture shows top chef Jun Tanaka, who will be the special guest at April’s Taste of Tourism event.