Thunder Bay is a Foodie’s Paradise
THUNDER BAY – Food Now – The City of Thunder Bay – Tourism Division has teamed up with Tourism Northern Ontario, the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Confederation College and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, to host a culinary tourism summit on Friday January 24th.
The event, hosted at Confederation College’s School of Hospitality, will provide opportunities for local food producers and restaurants to learn more about ramping up their role in the region’s flourishing culinary tourism scene.
Participants will hear from OCTA’s Executive Director Rebecca LeHeup and Chef Tim Matthews about local engagement, the basics of culinary tourism and the importance of culinary partnership building. Those who have registered will also learn about the economic importance of culinary tourism, digital packaging opportunities with other tourism partners and the new Ontario food service designation – Feast ON.
“In 2011, visitors to Northwest Ontario spent over $83 million in restaurants. Every visitor to our city and region eats and the culinary experience is one of the most important memories people take home with them.” says Thunder Bay Tourism Manager Paul Anthony Pepe. “We have the ingredients in the form of willing partners, regional food sources and the entrepreneurial spirit, to develop an impressive Northwest Ontario culinary signature. This workshop is a tool to help enhance the economic and social value of our tourism industry.”
The event takes place at Confederation College on Friday January 24th from 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM in Rumours Dining Room and Lecture Theatre 351 and will feature a locally crafted luncheon presented by the college’s culinary students.
