World's Top Culinary Tourism Operators Converge On Montreal For Renowned Food Tourism Conference's Third Annual Gathering
Montreal, Quebec (PRWEB) September 21, 2017 -- Food tourism is the fastest growing sector in travel and an industry specific conference in Montreal will focus on this thriving niche at the upcoming Global Food Tourism Conference (GFTC). Culinary and tourism leaders from across the world will convene in Montreal between October 15-17 for two full days of discussion, networking, analysis and celebration at Center Phi, with three nights of special events showcasing several local food institutions.
The conference is the only conference with a primary focus on the food tourism industry, the conference is expected to draw over 150 attendees alongside more than 15 industry and out-of-industry experts, speakers and panelists to Montreal Attendees will include food tour operators, culinary professionals, ticketing platforms, food bloggers and other business owners.
According to a recent Skift and Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance report, the food and culinary tourism sector saw tourists spend an estimated $201 billion on food services in the U.S. alone in 2012, nearly a quarter of all travel income. Culinary travel experiences are now the most popular method for driving tourism business. In 2016, food tourism continued to evolve and expand around the rise of spirits, craft beers and other alcoholic drink categories. Food is now in many cases the reason for a journey or experience, and if recent reports are correct, food will stay in focus for tourists and grow in the interests of locals. “Food tourism is gaining incredible momentum and helping cities of all sizes prosper globally. Tourists now travel looking for authentic experiences and connections with the surrounding community and food experiences are the perfect way to do so, which is evident in our host city of Montreal,” said Shane Kost, Director of Global Food Tourism and CEO of Chicago Food Planet Tours. “But for this industry to continue to grow, tour operators have to learn from one another, challenge each other to continually become better and be determined to learn from the successes of other industries.”
Global Food Tourism connects individuals in food tourism to help facilitate the evolving trends and opportunities these businesses face and bring like-minded people together in a global city where culinary tourism is already thriving. The conference showcases a local food tourism business each year as the City Host which acts as the liaison to the city’s food tourism scene and brings the conference attendees together for a celebratory food experience. For this year’s 3rd annual Global Food Tourism Conference, Local Montreal Tours will be the City Host designated to show attendees the best food Montreal offers and registered attendees are already buzzing in excitement to delight in a local food experience.
Local and international business, marketing and culinary professionals will be hosting a variety of educational sessions and Master-Class Workshops for intensive training opportunities. The conference will focus on exploring trends, business strategies and expansion opportunities within the culinary tourism industry.
Keynote Speakers for GFTC 2017 Include:
• Ashley Day – Editor of USA TODAY Eats.
• Eulanda and Omo Osagiede – Founders of Hey! Dip Your Toes In, an award-winning travel, food culture and lifestyle blog.
• Stephen Otto - Founder of Walks LLC, a large sightseeing company operating out of Italy, France, Turkey, & New York
• Jeremy Mitchell – Founder & CEO of EzTix Event Ticketing.
More information on speakers, content, agenda and how to register or sponsor the event can be found at http://www.globalfoodtourism.com.
###
The Global Food Tourism Conference is committed to educating business owners and empowering people to bring culinary tourism to their own cities across the world. Learn more at http://www.globalfoodtourism.com.
For more information, contact:
Shane Kost
Founder, Global Food Tourism
info(at)globalfoodtourism(dot)com
Randi Alexander, Global Food Tourism, +1 (312) 932-0800 Ext: 722, [email protected]
Share this article