Tourism Australia launches new food, wine initiative
Leave it to Tourism Australia to turn the wonder down under into a gigantic restaurant, but that’s exactly what they’re doing with its launch of Restaurant Australia which will showcase the country’s food and wine.
In Toronto yesterday (Jan. 23) to unveil details of the initiative — not to mention celebrating Australia Day (Jan. 26) — Tourism Australia’s vice-president, The Americas, Jane Whitehead told a travel trade group that while many don’t associate Australia with food and wine, those who know the destination rate its food and wine offerings highly. And as Whitehead pointed out to her Toronto audience, not only can you enjoy some fantastic food and wine DownUnder, you can do so in some amazing locations. It was also pointed out that of the top 50 restaurants in the world, two are in Australia — one in Sydney, the other in Melbourne.
The Toronto event was part of a partnership between Tourism Australia, Wine Australia and Australian Chef John Placko and was directed at offering people living in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal a chance to experience the distinctive ingredients and flavours of Australian food at select local restaurants and extensive wine selections at provincial liquor stores.
And for those who like the taste and feel the urge to try the fare in Australia, Air New Zealand is celebrating Australia Day by offering one low fare to six of its Australian destinations through Feb 6. Details are available at http://www.airnewzealand.ca/flights-to-australia .
Said Whitehead, “Australia offers very different food and wine tourism experiences from those found anywhere else in the world… thanks to the range and quality of fresh ingredients and the influence of Australia’s multicultural population which has produced a diverse, innovative cuisine. But it is best enjoyed at its source, celebrating Australia’s natural beauty in the company of friendly Australians. So this promotion is aimed at encouraging Canadians to visit Australia and dine in the real Restaurant Australia.”
Pictured (l-r) are Brad Ford, president of Contiki Holidays; Tourism Australia’s vice-president, the Americas, Jane Whitehead; Chef John Placko; and Kevin Smith, travel trade manager for DCI during Tourism Australia’s Restaurant Australia event in Toronto.
