MONTREAL - While Montreal en Lumiere welcomes some of the world's top chefs for its 18th edition, Tourisme Montreal is rolling out the red carpet for delegates from Delice, a global network of food destinations. Created in 2007 as an initiative from the city of Lyon, the Delice network aims to connect experts from different food destinations so that they can work together to boost the industry.
From March 1 to 3, representatives from 15 of the network's member cities will come to taste Montreal cuisine and discuss global trends shaping the tourism and food industries. How are different tourism bureaus structuring their gastronomic cultures to gain international recognition for their cities?
According to the World Tourism Organization, food tourism is one of the tourism industry's most dynamic and creative segments. Food and wine have become essential components of any destination's culture and lifestyle offerings and, as such, they have become a major incentive for travellers. This is why Tourisme Montreal has considered food tourism a top priority for several years now.
"Montreal is in an excellent position to become one of North America's leading food destinations. Against this background, it has become essential for Tourisme Montreal to mobilize stakeholders in the local food scene with a view to enhancing the city's culinary reputation. Tourists know that while there here, they can enjoy outstanding meals featuring local products and in a welcoming atmosphere," said Pierre Bellerose, Vice-President, Public Relations, Hospitality, Research and Product Development at Tourisme Montreal.
Montreal, which is Quebec's food capital, was selected as the host city for one of Delice's annual meetings based on its unique gastronomic initiatives - all of which add to the city's vibrancy, particularly as it celebrates its 375th anniversary this year.
"Montreal has 92 restaurants per square kilometre, and these establishments offer cuisine from 120 different countries. The gastronomic culture in Montreal is very unique. Our delegates are coming to learn from and be inspired by Montreal's innovative food initiatives and practices. For example, they will have the chance to visit Lufa Farms, a firm that specializes in urban agriculture," said Olivier Marette, President of Delice.
