The Culinary Tourism Alliance Launches Feast On® Gift Vouchers to Support Local
The Feast On® gift vouchers promote sustainable food and drink-focused travel and help local restaurants build back better from the pandemic, while connecting Ontario residents with businesses that champion local food systems.
TORONTO, ON, December 01 – As part of the Culinary Tourism Alliance’s continued efforts to help build capacity in the food, tourism and hospitality sectors, the not-for-profit organisation recently announced the launch of Feast On® gift vouchers. The digital, open-loop gift vouchers open the door to amazing experiences at over 150 local-focused, Feast On® Certified restaurants across Ontario. Launched as part of on-going recovery efforts by the Alliance, the vouchers are a great option for Ontarians who are looking to shop local and support small businesses.
The Feast On® Certification program recognizes Ontario businesses along the food tourism value chain that are committed to sourcing and celebrating locally grown food & drink. Now in its sixth year, the program started off as a grassroots movement with support for development from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Today, it is largely supported by the industry that it serves, with a network of over 200 Feast On® Certified restaurants, purveyors and partners across Ontario.
"We broke new ground developing this unique open-loop gift voucher platform as there were no existing products on the market in Canada that could deliver this type of seamless digital solution” said Valerie Keast, Director, Business Development of the Culinary Tourism Alliance. “We were inspired by the efforts made by many destinations at the onset of the pandemic to drive support and much needed revenue to businesses in need, and wanted to build a legacy solution within our pan-provincial food tourism recovery program that would have lasting effects. Thanks to an intimate understanding of the day-to-day intricacies of running destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and foodservice operations, we were able to develop a bespoke platform that could deliver a simple user experience - helping connect the day-to-day work of our stakeholder groups, to further bridge the gap between the food and drink and tourism space in Ontario."
Billy Alexander, Director, Programs of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, further commented:
“The Feast On program has always been a community where we draw strength, leadership, inspiration, and education from each other. The Feast On gift vouchers are another way in which we unite in recovery, to build back better. Our vouchers are completely virtual and provide endless opportunities for restaurants to showcase themselves while marketing their local food and drink initiatives; creating an incredible opportunity to increase sales, all the while being completely free of charge to participating restaurants."
With simplicity at the root of the platform, the vouchers are easy to purchase and even easier to redeem. Customers can purchase vouchers in $25 denominations which are delivered digitally and are redeemable at any participating Feast On® Certified restaurant in good standing for the current calendar year. For Feast On® Certified restaurants taking part in the program, there are no additional costs to participate, with payments reimbursed monthly. Furthermore, free on-boarding documents are provided by the Culinary Tourism Alliance to help train restaurant staff.
The Culinary Tourism Alliance will be giving away many vouchers in the coming year through contesting and promotions to encourage Ontario residents to choose a Feast On® restaurant for their next meal. Keep an eye on their social media channels for a chance to win!
For more information about Feast On® Gift Vouchers, visit ontarioculinary.com
Restaurants can sign up to be part of the Feast On® Certification Program at culinarytourismalliance.com/feast-on
ABOUT THE CULINARY TOURISM ALLIANCE
The Culinary Tourism Alliance works with communities to grow food tourism by leveraging the history, heritage, and culture behind the food and drink that makes each destination unique. Our mission is to ensure food tourism is a meaningful and sustainable contributor to local economies in destinations worldwide. Find out more at culinarytourismalliance.com
ABOUT FEAST ON® CERTIFICATION
Feast On® is a certification program that recognizes businesses committed to sourcing and celebrating Ontario grown food & drink. Last year, Feast On® Certified restaurants reported over $30,340,000 in Ontario food purchases directly from farmers, artisans and distributors who ensure they’re sourcing and identifying locally grown and made products. Find out who’s Certified at ontarioculinary.com/restaurants
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Agatha Podgorski, Director, Marketing
Culinary Tourism Alliance
agatha@culinarytourismalliance.com