PKED launches new culinary tourism strategy as part of National Pilot Project
PETERBOROUGH, ON — With support from the Canadian Experiences Fund, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) partnered with the Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA) in an initiative to develop a national culinary tourism strategy. Peterborough & the Kawarthas was selected as one of four destinations in Canada to take part in a culinary tourism strategy development pilot.
In collaboration with municipal and provincial partners, the CTA developed a distinct, context-specific three-year strategy to grow culinary tourism in Peterborough & the Kawarthas in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) and a wide range of local stakeholders. Learnings from the pilot projects are being used to develop national guidelines for culinary tourism strategy development in rural and remote destinations to be used throughout Canada.
“Peterborough & the Kawarthas has a reputation for being a leader in culinary tourism in Ontario. Long before we were offered the opportunity to participate in this program, we were exploring ways to foster rural economic development through agritourism. Being selected as one of four destinations in Canada only further solidified the importance of developing a strategy that strengthens connections between urban-rural communities in Peterborough & the Kawarthas through culinary tourism.” Noted Tracie Bertrand, PKED’s Director of Tourism.
The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Culinary Tourism Strategy presents the direction and actions that PKED will take in partnership with local industry to develop culinary tourism over the next three years. It was developed in alignment with several initiatives undertaken by PKED over the past 5 years related to the local tourism and agriculture industries.
“It’s not just culinary businesses that stand to benefit from this strategy. Many businesses can use food and drink products to elevate the visitor experience. In fact, any tourism-related business that includes a taste of place or culinary experience as part of its offering is part of the culinary tourism value chain.” Added Bertrand.
To view Peterborough & the Kawarthas Culinary Tourism Strategy and other resources related to this project visit: www.thekawarthas.ca/tourism-partners/