Delivering memorable experiences through Scotland’s food and drink
The topic of food tourism is going to be BIG on the menu at this year’s Scottish Tourism Alliance Signature Conference on 4th and 5th of March, with one of four sessions dedicated to inspiring delegates on practical and innovative ways of delivering Scotland’s food tourism action plan.
Scotland’s Food Tourism Action Plan was launched by the First Minister in August 2018 with the aim of making the country a globally-renowned food tourism destination and unlocking a £1bn growth potential
Food and drink has always been inextricably linked to Scotland’s natural environments including rural landscapes and coastal areas, but is also increasingly linked to our vibrant cities and towns, and making connections to these can help visitors to develop a strong sense of place.
Visitors spend around £995 million on eating and drinking when they’re on holiday in Scotland with UK tourists accounting for £656 million and overseas tourists accounting for £339 million, offering significant opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses to develop new food and drink experiences and to allow visitors to make more meaningful connections during their stay in Scotland
STA Signature Conference 2020
Day 2 of the STA Signature Conference is themed around ‘Delivering Memorable Experiences’, delivered in partnership with the World Food Travel Association and Scotland Food & Drink, with sessions exploring how our tourism industry can maximise the opportunities to put Scotland on the map as one of the best destinations in the world for culinary travel.
Delegates will learn more about how to deliver experiences that are talked about, shared and remembered by visitors for years to come, hearing from speakers such as Sofie Van Den Bossche – Team Co-ordinator ‘Flanders for Foodies’ at Visit Flanders/Flanders Kitchen Rebels, Shonette Laffy, Digital Marketing Manager for Visit Bristol, recently named the World’s Best Food Destination, Tina O’Dwyer, Director of Tourism Space in Ireland and Darren Heneghan, Managing Director of Borough Market.
Meet the supplier!
A unique food and drink showcase – Showcasing Scotland West – will take place at this year’s Scottish Tourism Alliance Signature Conference after the dedicated food tourism session on Thursday 5th March at the SEC, Glasgow.
Organised by our partners Scotland Food & Drink, the event is a key element to the national food tourism plan, which sets out a commitment to increase the level of local produce being sourced and served countrywide and aims to meet consumer demand for quality, local food and drink.
This event is specifically for those responsible for purchasing food and drink will allow you to meet a wide range of quality suppliers across all categories, under one roof, making your job of sourcing Scottish easier. Browse the supplier stalls at your leisure after the food tourism session and/or book 1:1 meetings with suppliers after lunch.
- 10.30 – 12.30hrs – open exhibition allowing you to browse the supplier stands at your leisure
- 10.30-13.00hrs – grazing lunch
- 13.00-15.00hrs – pre-arranged, 1:1 speed-dating meetings between suppliers and buyers
If you would like to take part in the 1:1 speed-dating meetings all you need to do is register here and all the arrangements will follow.
The industry-led Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan sets out a range of actions to maximise the potential of two of our most successful sectors. You can view the document here and book your ticket to attend the STA Signature Conference here
