The Power of Food Tourism: Scotland's Food Tourism Conference

The Power of Food Tourism, a half-day conference delivered in partnership by Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, will take place at the SEC, Glasgow, on Tuesday 8th March 2023, alongside ScotHot, Scotland’s premier showcase for food, drink, hospitality, and tourism.

Whether you are already working in food tourism, are keen to diversify into the sector or would simply like to learn more and be truly inspired, then we invite to join us in March. It is time to put the past few years behind us, be invigorated and look forward to the future. We have a real opportunity and are committed to continuing to drive and transform Scotland into being a sustainable, world-leading food tourism destination and to be recognised internationally. We have the most incredible producers, makers, experiences and storytellers and this event will provide intelligence and inspiration on how we can continue to develop and work together, aligned to our national food & drink and tourism strategies.

Food tourism is the enjoyment of food and drink-based experiences where a person learns about, appreciates, or consumes food and drink that reflects the history, heritage, and culture of a place. This includes the active pursuit of unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences encompassing everything from trying local food at a restaurant or café to visiting to a whisky distillery or going on a beer trail. It also includes attending a food festival, street food or agricultural event to taking a cookery class to visiting a farm or orchard, as well as agritourism activities that connect what is being produced in an area to what is being prepared, served, and enjoyed by locals.

Food tourism is not only for the holiday maker, but also part of everyday life. It happens every time you go out whether you live and work here or visit here. It is a national benefit to all; it is societal and supports and drives forward the health and well-being agenda. Food tourism should be integrated into everything we do and is key and core to Scotland becoming a responsible tourism destination, too.

This conference is not to be missed, jam-packed with content delivered by recognised, motivational, incredible people. We will leave you with top tips and takeaways that are relevant to you and your business and, together, we can take solid steps forward in making our sector grow and thrive. Find out more here.

The programme will cover several themes and topics, with more information on our presenters will be launched January. Get ahead of the game and reserve your place today. Your ticket will also provide you with access to the ScotHot VIP lounge where you can enjoy some light complimentary refreshments .

Inform Session

• Food Tourism Scotland Action Plan and Ambition 2030

• Overview on trends / insight and data for the sector – what is new? What are people looking for? Where should we focus our attention?

• Hear what our incredible Regional Food Tourism Ambassadors have been working on over the last 12 months

• Get an update on activity delivered by and for regions across Scotland from our Regional Food Groups

• Scottish Agritourism overview and update

Inspire Session

• Learn what food tourism can do to your destination delivered by Keynote Speaker.

• The impact of successful storytelling – sharing best practice and how it has delivered for businesses

• Under the influence – hear from leading influencers and the importance of messaging and communicating your brand and stories

• Learning Journeys- where we have been, what we have learnt that Scotland can adopt / consider for the future

Interact Session

• We will then immerse you in some of Scotland’s leading food tourism experiences – yes literally!

• Engage, interact, and learn

As well as these sessions, we have some incredible renowned speakers and presenters and we will be delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Islands, Mairi Gougeon, who will open the event on the 8th of March. We also have some surprises up our sleeve, so stay tuned!

Your ticket includes access to the ScotHot conference and VIP lounge.

While you are here why not join us at:

• The Business Leaders & Aspiring Business Leaders Conference, Glasgow 8th March 2023: 2pm - 5pm, SEC Glasgow M1. Join us for this unmissable half-day conference, packed with advice and inspiration for aspiring and established business leaders to guide their organisations through challenge, change and new opportunity. Find out more here.

• The Big, Big Tourism & Hospitality Gig, The Garage, Glasgow on 8th March 2023: 8 pm - late! Join fellow hospitality and tourism professionals and suppliers to the industry for the ultimate mid-week evening hangout and get together! Booking and further details will follow soon.

Host or Publisher Scottish Tourism Alliance