Time to realise Wexford’s food potential
FAILTE IRELAND has announced a new nine-month programme for Wexford which is aimed at promoting food and tourism packages in the county.
The announcement was made on Tuesday and the initiative, called Step Change, will also take place in Kerry and Sligo.
Under the scheme Wexford food network businesses will receive a food-focussed visitor evaluation and they will also get to participate in expert development workshops.
General networking will also form part of the benefits available to businesses under the scheme.
Speaking about the initiative, Sinead Hennessy, from Failte Ireland, said the initial focus here will be on the Taste Wexford network.
She said the food and drink offering plays a leading role in the quality of visitors’ experiences when they are in the region.
‘The role of effective local food networks in tourism is vital as they show the considerable gains that can be made when visitors are placed at the centre of activities, linking food with the local culture,’ she said.
Lorraine O’Dwyer, from Gallivanting Tours, attended the programme for Taste Wexford and said the practical format will enable stakeholders to evaluate the experience of visitors in relation to the food offering in the county.
‘Wexford is currently known for its potatoes and strawberries but we know there is a lot more to [the county’s] food story,’ she said.
‘It’s time the rest of the world discovered that.’