Ian Worte

Ian is a destination developer and researcher who leads professional services projects at the Culinary Tourism Alliance. In this capacity, he works with destinations to develop strategic plans and tourism products and programs such as food trails, ambassador programs and accreditation programs. He also facilitates many of the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s industry development workshops.

Before joining the Culinary Tourism Alliance, Ian had a diverse research career, spending over a decade managing quantitative and qualitative research projects in a variety of capacities. His experiences included leading public opinion research projects for one of Canada’s top polling firms, managing number of high-profile business surveys in Ontario, and helping to coordinate international polling projects, including the first national public opinion survey in South Sudan. Ian’s research experience also ranges from analyzing economic and labour force data to managing qualitative interview projects in a variety of industries across North America.

Ian studied Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University before getting a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. More recently, he returned to school to complete the Master of Economic Development & Innovation degree at the University of Waterloo, where he focused his studies on tourism and cultural heritage, and the impacts of local food culture, craft alcohol and agritourism on community economic development.

Ian has a lifelong interest in learning about different cultures through travel and enjoys experiencing the unique food and beverages that communities have to offer. He is eager to work with destinations to grow their local economies and create more vibrant communities by developing their culinary and agritourism sectors.