Food tourism seminar

THE first ever Mayo North Food Tourism Seminar takes place in the Great National Hotel Ballina today.

The seminar and networking event, supported by Michael Carr Foods, Ballina Chamber, Bunzl McLoughlin and the Great National Hotel Ballina, is part of a drive by MayoNorth.ie and partners to highlight and develop the food offering locally, and to highlight the significant value to the hospitality and food industries of food tourism.

Speakers include Olivia Duff of Boyne Valley Food Series, Anthony Gray of Sligo Food Trail and the Restaurants Association of Ireland, and Shane Raftery of Fáilte Ireland Food Tourism.

Recent research conducted on behalf of Fáilte Ireland showed that holidaymakers in Ireland spend close to €2 billion annually on food and drink during their stay, and this event is designed to assist the hospitality industry locally to understand the value of food tourism to the region as well as the importance of using local ingredients to convey a sense of 'place on a plate' by offering fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food. The event will also contain advice on how to channel the landscape and heritage of the area in meals and menus.

The Mayo North Food Tourism Seminar takes place in the beautifully refurbished Nephin Suite in the Great National Hotel Ballina, and every person working in the food industry in north Mayo - chefs, restaurant and café managers, food retailers - is encouraged to attend today and meet with local suppliers.

Trends emerging in food tourism particularly relevant to Ireland include things like the use of technology in food experiences, the rise of craft beer and spirits, 'clean eating', alternative flours, new flavours, an interest by visitors in more unusual vegetables, methods of preservation like fermentation and smoking, and the strong desire of visitors to get up close and personal with their food.

Anne-Marie Flynn of MayoNorth.ie said: “We know that food is a huge part of the tourist experience and that our visitors really want to get a sense of 'place on a plate' and a sense of where their food comes from.

“We’re looking forward to learning from Olivia, Anthony and Shane today on how local businesses can benefit from this great opportunity and further developing and highlighting our food offering in Mayo.”

The event takes place from 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. today (Tuesday, March 28) at the Great National Hotel Ballina. General admission is free.